CHRISTIAN STOICA, the centre, is on the verge of a recall to international rugby as Italy try to gain their first away win in the RBS Six Nations Championship when they visit Murrayfield in ten days. Stoica is one of three players added to the 25-strong squad while John Kirwan, the Italy coach, gambles with the availability of players.
He has already lost Mauro Bergamasco to a fractured cheekbone, with Silvio Orlando, from Treviso, being called in as replacement. While Orlando is a versatile player, he has only won six caps and his inexperience could be a telling factor against Scotland.
Roland de Marigny, the full back who took over the kicking duties against Ireland, hobbled off in their last match, against Wales, with knee and ankle problems and is rated as a doubtful starter despite keeping his place in the squad.
Separately, Sergio Parisse, the No 8, is facing a citing hearing this afternoon after being accused of stamping on Stephen Jones, the Wales stand off, and if found guilty would probably find himself banned from the match.
Kirwan has taken the opportunity to strengthen his midfield, calling up not only Stoica, the 28-year-old centre who plays alongside Gregor Townsend at Montpelier, in France, but also Roberto Pedrazzi who can play both centre and wing but has faced Scotland only once before — the 29-14 defeat in Rome three years ago, the only time either team has beaten the other away in the Six Nations. Both can cover the full back should De Marigny drop out.
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The changes to the squad suggest that Kirwan sees the backs as his problem area after a couple of determined performances from the forwards, who dominated the match against Ireland and controlled possession for most of the second half against Wales.