David Denton is back in the Scotland squad © Getty Images

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Scotland have added five new faces to the squad as they prepare for Saturday's game against Italy at Murrayfield.

Vern Cotter has called in scrum-half Chris Cusiter, prop Moray Low, No.8 Adam Ashe, prop Alex Allan and No.8 David Denton.

Cusiter and Ashe have returned after recovering from knee and neck injuries respectively while Denton is back in after overcoming his calf tear. Low and Allan replace the sidelined Jon Welsh and Gordon Reid.

Scotland defeated Italy last year in Rome thanks to a late Duncan Weir drop-goal and prop Alasdair Dickinson is confident they will record a win over the Azzurri in front of their home support come Saturday.

"Our games against Italy are always tough affairs," Dickinson said in the Mail on Sunday. "Last year we had Duncan to thank for winning the game for us with that fantastic late drop goal. It was a big moment as we had lost our first two games and needed the win. Unfortunately we didn't kick on from that victory in Rome and lost our final matches, which was not good enough, but that won't happen this time round.

"There has been a sea-change since then and we have closed the gap on the likes of Ireland, England, Wales and France in terms of performance. I accept we still have a way to go but we are getting there. The young guys are playing with confidence and energy and that gives the older guys like me a big boost as well, especially in World Cup year.

"I am confident we can get the win over Italy this time, which will give us a big lift ahead of for our final two matches against England and Ireland. I know they are tough game but this is a side that has got a lot of self-belief."