Raineri needs to make his mark at fly-half

ROMA centre Giovanni Raineri has been handed the fly-half role for Italy’s daunting Six Nations task against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Raineri is switched from midfield to replace Ramiro Pez, who has been axed after Ireland exploited his kicking and defensive weaknesses a fortnight ago.

With playmaker Diego Dominguez still injured, Italian coach Brad Johnstone will hope that Raineri can make a mark on proceedings.

Former skipper Alessandro Troncon’s 21-day suspension means Raineri will be partnered at half-back by Argentinian-born Juan Manuel Queirolo.

Among the backs only left wing Denis Dallan remains in his original position after Italy’s 41-22 defeat by Ireland.

The front-row remains intact but lock Carlo Checchinato is at number eight and Andrea Gritti comes in as Wim Visser’s second-row partner.

ITALY: A Scanavacca; L Martin, C Stoica, W Pozzebon, D Dallan; G Raineri, J-M Quierolo; A Lo Cicero, A Moscardi (capt), A Muraro, A Gritti, W Visser, C Caione, M Bergamasco, C Checchinato.