Alex Samuel returns to the starting line up to captain the side from the second row where he will partner Max Williamson who makes his third start of the campaign.

At prop, Cole Lamberton returns to the starting team alongside George Breese. Hooker Jamie Drummond retains his position after an impressive start last week against England, during which he made four turnovers in the 70 minutes he played.

Archie Smeaton returns to the blindside flank with Ollie Leatherbarrow, who had an impressive start and was Scotland’s try scorer last week, on the other side of the scrum, with Ben Muncaster packing down at No 8.

The half-back pairing from round one returns as Murray Redpath starts at scrum-half with Cammy Scott at stand-off.

Scott King moves to inside centre where he will partner Thomas Glendinning, who makes his first appearance of the Championship.

In the back three, Adam Scott earns a start on the wing after making his first appearance off the bench last week, with Finlay Callaghan returning to the opposite wing. Elliot Gourlay starts again at full-back.

On the bench Patrick Harrison returns to the squad with Michael Jones and Olly Frostick to provide front row cover with Euan Ferrie, Rhys Tait and Rory Jackson also named as replacement forwards.

Euan Cunningham and Christian Townsend are the replacement half-back options. Alex Clayton could make his Scotland U20 debut from the bench alongside replacement backs Mike Gray and Ross McKnight.

Scotland Under-20 Head Coach, Sean Lineen said: “There were some really good periods of play last week against England, and we played with a lot of heart and passion.

“Up front a number of players impressed us and have earned their starting positions this week. In a tournament with such a short turnaround time it’s important we use our whole squad so there are a few changes in the backs where players get the opportunity for game time.

“Italy ran France close last weekend, and we know they will be a tough outfit. The team know they will need to convert the pressure that we’re applying into points if we are to earn the win.”

Scotland U20 team to face Italy on Thursday at Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff (kick-off 2pm)

15. Elliot Gourlay (Sale Sharks)

14. Adam Scott* (GHA)
13. Thomas Glendinning* (Glasgow Hawks)
12. Scott King* (Heriot’s Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby)
11. Finlay Callaghan* (Ayrshire Bulls/Glasgow Warriors)

10. Cameron Scott* (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby)
9. Murray Redpath (Newcastle University)

1. Cole Lamberton* (Watsonians Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby)
2. Jamie Drummond* (Ayrshire Bulls)
3. George Breese* (Stirling Wolves)
4. Max Williamson* (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)
5. Alex Samuel* (Stirling County/ Glasgow Warriors) CAPTAIN
6. Archie Smeaton (Cambridge University)
8. Ben Muncaster* (Watsonians Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby)
7. Ollie Leatherbarrow (Exeter University)

Replacements
16. Patrick Harrison* (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby)
17. Michael Jones* (Boroughmuir Bears)
18. Olly Frostick (Ealing Trailfinders)
19. Euan Ferrie (Glasgow Hawks)
20. Rhys Tait (Southern Knights)
21. Rory Jackson* (Ayrshire Bulls/Glasgow Warriors)
22. Euan Cunningham* (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)
23. Christian Townsend* (Ayrshire Bulls)
24. Michael Gray* (Boroughmuir Bears/Glasgow Warriors)
25. Ross McKnight* (Stirling County)
26. Alex Clayton (Bath University)

*FOSROC Academy Supported Player.
Listed clubs are for the 2021 season