Castrogiovanni's presence is a major boost for Italy

Prop Martin Castrogiovanni has been included despite being forced off with a shoulder injury after scoring his side's only try against France.

Andrea Masi remains at fly-half, despite concerns over the quality of his kicking game.

Italy must beat Scotland by five points or more to avoid the Wooden Spoon.

The Azzurri have beaten the Scots twice in their four previous Six Nations meetings in Rome, in 2000 and 2004, and also at Murrayfield last year.

But Scotland won 13-10 on their last visit to Rome two years ago, and also edged out Italy 18-16 in their World Cup pool match last November.

Italy: Andrea Marcato, Kaine Robertson, Gonzalo Canale, Mirco Bergamasco, Ezio Galon; Andrea Masi, Simon Picone; Andrea Lo Cicero, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni, Carlo Del Fava, Marco Bortolami, Josh Sole, Alessandro Zanni, Sergio Parisse (capt).
Replacements: Fabio Ongaro, Carlos Nieto, Salvatore Perugini, Jacobus Erasmus, Pietro Travagli, Enrico Patrizio, Alberto Sgarbi.