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Rugby Union

Troncon to return against England

08/02/2007

Italy's veteran scrum-half Alessandro Troncon has been recalled to the starting line-up to face England on Saturday and will win a national record 92nd cap.

The 33-year-old was used as a second-half replacement for Paul Griffen against France in the Azzuri's Six Nations opener last weekend but he is in line to start at Twickenham – two years on from his last appearance in the number nine jersey.

It is all change in the front row, with Carlo Festuccia, Andrea Lo Cicero and Martin Castrogiovanni all in the starting line-up after being named among the replacements a week ago.

Fabio Ongaro and Salvatore Perugini drop to the bench and prop Carlos Nieto is dropped from the squad altogether after being dominated by the French forwards last Saturday.

Injuries to star flanker Mauro Bergamasco and winger Andrea Masi mean Maurizio Zaffiri and Kaine Robertson come in to the first XV.

Fly-half Andrea Scanavacca has shaken off a rib injury and starts ahead of Ramiro Pez. Italy's youngest ever captain since he relived Troncon of his duties, 25-year-old Marco Bortolami, will lead the side out for his 56th cap.

Full Italy line-up vs England:

Roland De Marigny; Kaine Robertson; Gonzalo Canale; Mirco Bergamasco, Denis Dallan; Andrea Scanavacca; Alessandro Troncon; Andrea Lo Cicero; Carlo Festuccia; Martin Castrogiovanni; Santiago Dellape; Marco Bortolami (captain); Josh Sole; Maurizio Zaffiri; Sergio Parisse
Replacements: Fabio Ongaro; Salvatore Perugini; Valerio Bernabo; Roberto Mandelli; Paul Griffen; Ramiro Pez; Matteo Pratichetti.

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