Zebre were in with a shout of victory heading into the final stages against the Ospreys before eventually losing, and they will have another chance against Welsh opposition on Saturday. The Italian side host defending champions Scarlets at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, with the game kicking off at 8.35pm local time.

What’s at stake? The Scarlets made a statement in their opening game, racking up a half-century of points against the Southern Kings to start the defence of their crown in fine style. They face a Zebre team who looked like they might cause an upset at the Liberty Stadium until Keelan Giles’ late try killed off their chances.

Team news (Zebre): Zebre have made eight changes from the team that lost to the Ospreys, with four in the pack and four in the backs. Among those is a first start of the season for fit-again flanker Johan Meyer, while winger Giovanni D’Onofrio is set for his Zebre debut.

Team news (Scarlets): Scarlets were dealt a blow this week with the loss of James Davies to injury for an extended period due to shoulder surgery. He is replaced in the team by Will Boyde, while Leigh Halfpenny and Jake Ball are both rested. That means a shift to full-back for Johnny McNicholl after his star turn on the wing last week.

Talking points: Wayne Pivac was impressed by what he saw from Zebre last weekend in Swansea, and has warned his team they cannot afford to let up after a strong opening performance against the Kings. In Carlo Canna, Zebre have a player in form at fly-half, while there is plenty of experience in the tight five.

Key Battle: By his own admission Zebre skipper Tommaso Castello enjoys the physical aspect of the game, relishing the opportunity to put his body on the line at inside centre. He will go up against Scott Williams, better known for his ability to play out wide, so that should make for an interesting contrast of styles in the midfield.

Key stat: Johnny McNicholl racked up 209 metres with ball in hand last week while also making four clean breaks against the Kings.

Did you know? Zebre have won two of their last three games at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, however they face a Scarlets team who have lost just once in the league in 2017 – away to Leinster back in March.

Zebre: C Gaffney; G Bisegni, T Boni, T Castello, G D’Onofrio; C Canna, G Palazzani; A Lovotti, T D’Apice, D Chistolini; D Sisi, V Bernabo; J Sarto, J Meyer, G Licata.

Replacements: O Fabiani, A De Marchi, R Tenga, G Biagi, D Minnie, M Violi, S Bordoli, M Bellini.

Scarlets: J McNicholl; T Grabham, H Parkes, S Williams, S Evans; R Patchell, G Davies; R Evans, R Elias, S Lee, D Bulbring, T Beirne, A Shingler, W Boyde, J Barclay

Replacements: E Phillips, W Evans, W Kruger, T Price, J Macleod, A Davies, R Jones, P Asquith

TV: S4C (KO 8.35pm local)

Match officials – Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU). Assistant Referee 1: George Clancy (IRFU). AR2: Vincenzo Schipani (FIR). TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU).

Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie