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Castro starts for Italy against the English

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Tigers favourite Martin Castrogiovanni has been named in the starting XV for Italy's RBS 6 Nations clash with England at Twickenham, kick-off 1.30pm.

The summer signing will start at tight-head prop for Italy, who are looking for their first-ever victory at Headquarters.

Former Tigers No.10 Ramiro Pez is again named on the bench for the Italians, while 33-year-old Alessandro Troncon replaces Paul Griffen at scrum-half to win his 92nd cap.

Flanker Maurizio Zaffiri and winger Kaine Robertson replace injured duo Mauro Bergamasco and Andrea Masi, but fly-half Andrea Scanavacca has recovered from a rib injury and keeps his place.

"This formation allows us to have another look at certain players and to give the team mental and athletic freshness after the first game," said coach Pierre Berbizier. "We've shown that we have the qualities to play. Now we must learn how to use them, to improve our ability to finish."

Italy

De Marigny; Robertson, Canale, Mirco Bergamasco, Dallan; Scanavacca, Troncon; Parisse, Zaffiri, Sole; Bortolami (capt), Dellape; Castrogiovanni, Festuccia, Lo Cicero.

Replacements

Ongaro, Perugini, Bernabo, Mandelli, Griffen, Pez, Pratichetti.