Six Nations: Troncon returns to play England

Italy recalled veteran scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon to its starting lineup in one of six changes for Saturday's Six Nations match at England.

Photo: Six Nations: Troncon returns to play England

The 33-year-old Troncon, was a late replacement in last weekend's 39-3 home loss to France, and was named in place of Paul Griffen when coach Pierre Berbizier announced the team Thursday.

Troncon will make an Italian record 92nd appearance.

"It'll be interesting to see Alessandro challenge himself at a high level after two years since his last start in an Azzurri jersey," Berbizier said.

Front-row forwards Carlo Festuccia, Andrea Lo Cicero and Martin Castrogiovanni are promoted from the bench in place of Fabio Ongaro, Carlos Nieto and Salvatore Perugini.

Ongaro and Perugini are among the replacements but Nieto drops out of the 22-man squad in favor of Valerio Bernabo.

Flanker Maurizio Zaffiri and winger Kaine Robertson replace Mauro Bergamasco and Andrea Masi, who were ruled out of the game on Wednesday after failing to recover from injuries picked up against France, reports AP.

"This formation allows us to have another look at certain players ... and to give the team mental and athletic freshness after the first game," Berbizier said.

Gonzalo Canale moves from the wing to partner Mirco Bergamasco in the center.

Flyhalf Andrea Scanavacca retains his place for Saturday's match after recovering from a rib injury which forced him off early against France.

"We've shown that we have the qualities to play. Now we must learn how to use them, to improve our ability to finish," Berbizier said.

Italy has never beaten England in 12 attempts.