Scotland have made one change to their starting line-up for the third weekend of the Six Nations, with flying Dutchman Tim Visser handed the number 11 jersey in Rome.

Visser replaces Glasgow Warriors' Sean Lamont in the XV while the rest of the side that lost narrowly to Wales in Cardiff is retained.

Head coach Vern Cotter keeps faith in the forward pack from the defeats to England and Wales, with Alasdair Dickinson, WP Nel and Ross Ford in the front row, Jonny and Richie Gray at lock and a back row of John Barclay, David Denton and John Hardie.

Captain Greig Laidlaw is paired with Finn Russell in the half backs and Duncan Taylor is retained at inside centre, beside Mark Bennett in the midfield.

Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour makes up the back three beside Visser, who wins his 24th cap in Rome.

The Dutch-born winger has scored ten tries since making his Scotland debut against Fiji in 2012.

After leaving Edinburgh in the summer to join English Premiership side Harlequins, Visser has been in good form, scoring six tries in ten appearances for the London side.

Cotter, said the team was returning to the championship "fresh and fit" to face a "formidable opponent".

He said: "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."

Uncapped Edinburgh prop Rory Sutherland is handed a place on the bench and should make his international debut on Saturday.

Peter Horne, who scored Scotland's opening try against Australia in the World Cup quarter final, makes his injury comeback with a place on the bench alongside his Warriors teammate Ryan Wilson, is in line for a first Six Nations appearance of 2016.