Tim Visser will make his return to Test rugby on Saturday after being named in the Scotland‘s starting side that will travel to Italy.
The Harlequins wing, who missed the start of the Six Nations with a hamstring injury, is the only change made to the team by head coach Vern Cotter with Sean Lamont dropping to the bench.
There are four further changes on the bench however with Exeter‘s Moray Low named alongside debutant Rory Sutherland as prop covers.
Glasgow Warriors back-row Ryan Wilson and centre Peter Horne are also included as the Scots seek their first win in this year’s tournament after defeats to England and Wales in the opening two games.
Cotter, said: “After a week off from the Championship, we have returned to camp fresh and fit, and have prepared well for what will be another formidable opponent.
“Italy have shown they are a talented team, particularly in their performance away against France, but also against England.
“They surprised both teams with their physicality, intensity and quality, all of which we will have to be ready for, and at least equal to, if we are to win in Rome this weekend.
“We have worked hard to improve our game and will stay true to the core values of this team, which is to work hard but stay calm; have belief in our systems, ourselves, and enjoy the opportunity.”
Scotland: Stuart Hogg; Tommy Seymour, Mark Bennett (all Glasgow), Duncan Taylor (Saracens),Tim Visser (Harlequins); Finn Russell (Glasgow), Greig Laidlaw (Gloucester, Capt.); Al Dickinson, Ross Ford, WP Nel (all Edinburgh); Richie Gray (Castres); Jonny Gray (Glasgow); John Barclay (Scarlets), John Hardie (Edinburgh), Dave Denton (Bath)
Replacements: Stuart McInally, Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh), Moray Low(Exeter), Tim Swinson, Ryan Wilson(both Glasgow), Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (Edinburgh), Peter Horne, Sean Lamont (both Glasgow)