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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy boosted by return of key figure for Six Nations clash with England

Juan Ignacio Brex returns to the Italy side in the centres - (Getty Images)

Italy have been boosted by the return of Juan Ignacio Brex to their side to take on England in Rome.

Brex had missed rounds two and three of the Six Nations for personal reasons, but reunites with Tommaso Menoncello in a familiar midfield partnership at the Stadio Olimpico.

Alessandro Garbisi joins brother Paolo in half-back partnership, while Lorenzo Pani steps in for the injured Ange Capuozzo at full-back.

The forward pack remains intact from that which took on France a fortnight ago, while fly half Tommaso Allan is one of three backs named on the bench by head coach Gonzalo Quesada.

Italy have never beaten England in 32 previous Tests but arrive with confidence having secured a win over Scotland and pushed Ireland close already in this campaign.

Italy XV to face England in Rome (Saturday 7 March, 4.40pm GMT): 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 3 Simone Ferrari; 4 Niccolo Cannone, 5 Andrea Zambonin; 6 Michele Lamaro (capt.), 7 Manuel Zuliani, 8 Lorenzo Cannone; 9 Alessandro Garbisi, 10 Paolo Garbisi; 11 Monty Ioane, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 14 Louis Lynagh; 15 Lorenzo Pani.

Replacements: 16 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Muhamed Hasa, 19 Federico Ruzza, 20 Riccardo Favretto; 21 Alessandro Fusco, 22 Leonardo Marin, 23 Tommaso Allan.

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