Gregor Townsend says he was disappointed to see FIR president Alfredo Gavazzi's comments about new Glasgow Warriors signing Leonardo Sarto.

The head of the Italian Rugby Federation talked down the wing's pre-contract with the Scotstoun side saying he must have agreed to make the move because no other team showed interest in him.

Speaking last month, Gavazzi said "Those who leave do it for the economics and experience of life. But Glasgow, come on...

"I understand that he sent several curriculum to England. He wanted to go away, maybe Glasgow is the only team that responded."

Townsend, who has travelled to Italy for eight days with his squad for the Pro 12 double header against Benetton Treviso and Zebre, says the Warriors are looking forward to welcoming another Italian into their side.

"A lot of his comments were - what's the word I'm looking for that's not too derogatory - we were obviously disappointed seeing those comments," he said.

"Leonardo Sarto is a fantastic player, one of Italy's best and we were delighted he joined our club.

"Simone Favaro has been outstanding for us this season and puts everything in for the club so our experience of Italian players has been terrific."

Glasgow Warriors sit sixth in the table, a point away from the play-off zone, with five games remaining.

They've approached their two games in Italy differently, deciding to travel directly and stay in the country between their Saturday and Friday fixtures.

Peter Horne, who returns to Townsend's starting line-up at the expense of Alex Dunbar, says it will have a huge benefit on their preparations.

"It will help massively," he said, "Especially because in the past we've flown from Glasgow to Gatwick, spent the day down there and then flew across to Verona and drove up.

"It used to take a whole day to get there so it will be brilliant and it will certainly make a difference, it will cut out the tiredness in the legs."