Wing Rufus McLean, scrum-half Kyle McGhie and Gregor Brown (back-row) all come into the starting XV for the match in northern Italy, as they look to back up encouraging performances in the opening two rounds with an away win.

The hosts go into this game having lost in France two weekends ago but defeated Wales 17-7 in the tournament opener in Colwyn Bay, to sit one place above the young Scots in the championship table.

Head Coach Sean Lineen said: “This is a big opportunity for us. Italy have improved over the years, they’ve got good academies and a lot of players.

“I’ve been really impressed with how our squad have rolled their sleeves up. It has been a pretty challenging week because of the weather but we need to go out there and do our talking on the pitch.

“We’ve got a really tight group here with talented individuals and we need to teach them to get to the next level.

“I thought some of our defence against England last time out was outstanding. We know we should have won that game and the players have taken that on board.

”I want them to get across that line and would love for them to experience a win in the Scottish jersey.”

The match will be live streamed on the FIR Facebook page HERE

Scotland U20 will return to the Scottish Borders for their home match against France on Friday 6 March at Netherdale, Galashiels – kick-off 8pm. Tickets are available now at www.scottishrugbytickets.com including the kids for £1 offer (with a paying adult ticket, until midnight Thursday 5 March).

Scotland U20 team to face Italy at Stadio Mirabello
Friday 21 February (kick-off 6pm GMT / 7pm local time) – live on Facebook

15. Ollie Smith (Ayrshire Bulls) *

14. Rufus McLean (Boroughmuir Bears) *
13. Matthew Currie (Watsonians Rugby) *
12. Robbie McCallum (Boroughmuir Bears) *
11. Jacob Henry (Southern Knights) *

10. Nathan Chamberlain (Hartpury College/Bristol Bears)
9. Kyle McGhie (Boroughmuir Bears) *

1. Thomas Lambert (Sydney University)
2. Ewan Ashman (Sale Sharks)
3. . Mak Wilson (Southern Knights)
4. Kieran Watt (Watsonians Rugby)
5. Cameron Henderson (Stirling County) *
6. Gregor Brown (Boroughmuir Bears)*
8. Rory Darge CAPTAIN (Southern Knights) * ©
7. Connor Boyle (Watsonians Rugby) *

Replacements
16. Rory Jackson (Watsonians Rugby) *
17. Alex Maxwell (Stourbridge)
18. George Breese (Stirling County)
19. Jamie Campbell (Biggar) *
20. Jack Hill (Durham University)
21. Roan Frostwick (Watsonians Rugby)*
22. Cameron Scott (Boroughmuir Bears) *
23. Harry Paterson (Heriot’s Rugby) *