Six Nations: Juan Ignacio Brex returns for Italy to face England
Centre Juan Ignacio Brex has returned to the Italy starting line-up to face England in the Six Nations at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
Midfield changes for the Azzurri
Brex had missed rounds two and three of the championship due to personal reasons but immediately reclaims his place in the side.
He reunites with Tommaso Menoncello to restore a familiar midfield partnership for the hosts.
There is a family connection at half-back as Alessandro Garbisi comes in to start alongside his brother Paolo.
In the back three, Lorenzo Pani steps in at full-back to replace the injured Ange Capuozzo.
Chasing historic win
Head coach Gonzalo Quesada has kept faith with the forward pack that featured against France a fortnight ago.
Fly-half Tommaso Allan is named as one of three backs on the replacements bench.
The Azzurri have never beaten England in 32 previous Test matches but arrive in Rome with renewed belief.
Quesada’s side have already secured a victory over Scotland and pushed Ireland close earlier in this campaign.
Line-ups
Italy: Pani; Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, A Garbisi; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro (capt), Zuliani, L Cannone.
Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Fusco, Marin, Allan.
