The China Mail - Scotland eager to avoid Italy slip-up at start of Six Nations

The Scots have yet to win the title since Italy joined the tournament in 2000, with their hopes often dashed by France and in particular defending champions Ireland.

But the 31-29 defeat in Rome last year was a sharp reminder of the progress Italy have made following a litany of losses that led to questions over their future in the event.

"It derailed our tournament a bit," said Scotland back-row Matt Fagerson.

"Credit to Italy, they did really well at home last year so hopefully, we're going to turn it around."

Scotland, for all the talent of a side featuring fly-half Finn Russell and record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe, have long been on the cusp of something special only to be undone by their own errors.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has recalled Jonny Gray for the veteran Bordeaux lock's first Test in nearly two years.

Gray, 30, missed the 2023 World Cup with a knee injury and declined a call-up for the November international series after returning to club action at the start of this season.

- 'Motivated' -

"He's looked good in training," said long-serving boss Townsend. "We know he's an experienced international that will be hugely motivated to play once again for Scotland."

Edinburgh hooker Dave Cherry, meanwhile, will make his first Test appearance since the World Cup in France.

Cherry made a freak early exit from the tournament after suffering concussion when slipping on stairs at the team hotel in Nice.

Stafford McDowall replaces injured Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu at inside centre after the Australia-born midfielder was ruled out of the entire Six Nations with a chest muscle problem.

Tuipulotu's absence sees Townsend revert to his previous leadership model, with Russell and back-row Rory Darge the co-captains.

Italy will look to build on two wins and a draw in the 2024 Six Nations -- their best return in the competition.

Azzurri coach Gonzalo Quesada has named Perpignan's Tommaso Allan at full-back, allowing Toulouse speedster Ange Capuozzo to move to the wing.

Italy's record points-scorer in the Six Nations, Allan stepped away from Azzurri action after a narrow 27-24 defeat by England in last season's tournament, citing his mental and physical well-being.

Allan, whose uncle John Allan played Test rugby for Scotland in the 1990s, did not return until November against Argentina, when he came on as a substitute for the injured Capuozzo.

Back-row Michele Lamaro, who completed a record 103 tackles in the 2024 campaign, retains the Italy captaincy.

"The most important thing for us is to keep improving, keep going in that direction," said Lamaro. "There are a lot of expectations on us, now the other teams are looking at us differently."

V.Liu--ThChM