Head coach Alan Solomons has challenged his side to seize the opportunity presented by Scotland’s forthcoming autumn internationals as they prepare to face Zebre at Murrayfield in the RaboDirect PRO12.

While progress for Edinburgh has been solid yet unspectacular under Solomons, they have won three of their last four home games in all competitions, including last time out in the RaboDirect PRO12 against Treviso.

Zebre were denied their first home win in the RaboDirect PRO12 in the last play of the game against Scarlets last weekend (16-16), and will look to build on their success away to Cardiff earlier this season.

But Solomons, who has made eight changes through a combination of injuries and international selection for autumn internationals, is determined to see his side continue their impressive home form.

“Zebre have become a good team and will no doubt come here fancying their chances, particularly as they'll view us as a depleted side,” he said.

“They have a lot of guys who have represented the Italian national side and have recruited some useful players, like All Black Brendon Leonard who is a key figure for them.

“It's going to be a tough game, but that's what's so great about the PRO12 now, there are just no easy games in this competition.”

Hooker Aleki Lutui, back row Tomas Leonardi and prop Wicus Blaauw all start in place of international trio Ross Ford, David Denton and Alasdair Dickinson, with the latter released from Scotland camp to appear on the bench.

Back-row Roddy Grant – absent from last week's win to be present at the birth of his daughter Reeva – starts in place of the injured Dimitri Basilaia and will captain the side.

In the backs, Ben Atiga, Joaquin Dominguez, Sean Kennedy and Jack Cuthbert step in for Scotland quartet Matt Scott, Nick De Luca, Greig Laidlaw and injured winger Tim Visser.

Zebre are just a point behind Edinburgh in the RaboDirect PRO12 table while the last meeting between the two sides came in Parma in March and saw the Scots prevail by just two points.

The Italian starting line-up includes seven of the nine internationals called up yesterday by Italy's head coach Jacques Brunel for the first time.

Zebre welcome back lock Quintin Geldenhuys and winger Giovanbattista Venditti who recover from their injuries that ruled them out during last month.

And lock Marco Bortolami is set to lead his side out for the 14th time in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Head coach Andrea Cavinato said: "I can't help but focus on the chances we didn't take. Even though we played a great game we have to be aware of the fact that we can be competitive against every team if we can keep our precision and limit our errors.

"After Cardiff we maybe thought we were better than we are, we have a lot of growing to do. I want to compliment the players though, with determination and desire they can overcome the difficulties and the countless injuries we're facing at the moment.

"The proof is that the stands were full, the fans in Parma backed us and appreciated our game. We need their support both when we play well as we did against the Scarlets, and in the more difficult periods of the season."

At Murrayfield, 7.45pm.
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU, 31st competition game)
Assistant Referees: David Changleng, Bob Nevins (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: Rob Flockhart (SRU)