SOUTHAMPTON’S David Sisi is set for his first cap for Italy in their Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield tomorrow.

The 25-year-old, who learned his trade with Tottonians RFC, formerly played in the back row for England U20s with whom he won both the U20 Six Nations and Junior World Championship titles in 2013.

The ex-London Irish player moved from English club Bath to Italian PRO14 side Zebre in 2017.

His multicultural heritage gave him a choice of countries to play for.

Born in Germany at the British Military Hospital of Rinteln, Sisi qualifies to play for Italy through his grandparents.

He also has close ties to tomorrow’s host nation Scotland where his father, Carlo, was born.

A powerfully-built figure, Sisi stands 6ft 5in tall and weighs in at over 18 stone. And he will need all of that strength if Italy are to pull off a result tomorrow.

The Azzurri are on a record run of 17 straight Six Nations defeats.

But their last win in the tournament was against Scotland, 22-19, at Murrayfield in 2015.

Indeed Scotland are the only team Italy have beaten away from home in the Six Nations, with The Azzurri also triumphing 37-17 in Edinburgh in 2007.

Scotland v Italy kicks off at 2.15pm tomorrow, followed by Ireland v England (4.45pm in Dublin).