Mallett looks to Mauro

Italy coach Nick Mallett has handed Mauro Bergamasco the number nine role for Saturday´s RBS 6 Nations opener against England at Twickenham.

With Pablo Canavosio having failed to recover from a problematic knee and Simone Piccone and Pietro Travagli out for the entire tournament through injury, Mallett revealed he had little choice but to shift the Stade Francais flanker to the number nine role.

The Azzurri welcome back Leicester Tigers prop Martin Castrogiovanni, who returns to the squad after a one-year absence.

Mallett has included uncapped Venezia player Jean-Francois Montauriol in the squad.