**The middle weekend of the Guinness Six Nations is always a tantalising prospect and this year is no different with three appetite-whetting fixtures marking the halfway point.** Italy and Scotland kick things off on Saturday afternoon with both desperate to get their first victory of the Championship having shown promise in patches in previous encounters. France then travel to Principality Stadium where Wayne Pivac’s Wales lie in wait, needing a victory to put themselves back in the running after last week’s defeat in Ireland. Then it’s all eyes on Twickenham where Ireland head to face England on Sunday, knowing victory could be a huge steppingstone on their way to a second Grand Slam in three seasons. As always, a plethora of Guinness PRO14 stars are set to take centre stage but only a handful can shine on this key weekend of action. # **Alessandro Zanni** The experienced head and the new campaigner line up in the second row – and how Italy could do with Alessandro Zanni being on form to reignite their Championship. Facing Scotland at home arguably represents Italy’s best chance of ending their 24-match losing run in the Guinness Six Nations following losses to Wales and France to start 2020. The second half in Paris will offer encouragement, with Benetton Rugby’s Zanni the only change to the XV that showed late signs of promise, partnering with club teammate Niccolò Cannone, capped twice so far. Zanni will accrue cap No.119 on Saturday, drawing him level with England’s Jason Leonard and former teammate Martin Castrogiovanni.
