The Dragons region is strongly represented in the Wales U20 side with eight players from the region making the starting XV.
Martyn Thomas has recovered from a hamstring injury to start at fullback while their is an all-Dragons midfield with James Lewis at outside centre and Gareth Maule at inside. Marcus Johnstone wins his first U20 cap and is named on the wing.
Among the forwards Jamie Corsi starts at tight head prop while the all Dragons back row of Danny Lydiate, James Harris and Lewis Evans remains a key feature for the Welsh youngsters.
On the replacements bench three Dragons regional players are named in Ben Flower, Adam Brown and Jimmy Norris.
Wales Under 20 head coach Dai Rees said, "This campaign has understandably been a steep learning curve for our players, particularly the heavy defeat to France two weeks ago.
"However, the group is improving with each game which is all you can ask. Results would be great - and we were unlucky in our opening game against Ireland - but they are not the be-all-and-end-all.
"The boys have set themselves high standards for our next match in Italy so hopefully they can show what they are made of on Friday.
"Our backs suffered the brunt of the French back line last time out but there were also a lot of good points to our game, especially from our forwards who have been solid throughout this tournament.
"The Italians will be tough up front but I am confident we can match anyone in that area and we will look to put some width to our game."
Wales Under 20 v Italy Under 21, Friday, 9 March, Piacenza (kick-off 7.30pm):
Martyn Thomas (Dragons); Alec Jenkins (Llanelli / Scarlets), James Lewis (Bedwas/ Dragons), Gareth Maule (Newport / Dragons), Marcus Johnstone (Cross Keys/Dragons); Rhys Jones (Sale Sharks); Robert Lewis (Neath / Ospreys); Hugh Gustafson (captain; Llanelli / Scarlets), Marc Jones (Sale Sharks), Jamie Corsi (Newport / Dragons), Bradley Davies (Blues), James Down (Cardiff / Blues), Danny Lydiate (Ebbw Vale / Dragons), James Harris (Bedwas / Dragons), Lewis Evans (Newport / Dragons).
Replacements: Ben Flower (Bedwas / Dragons), Nick Eaves (Pontypridd / Blues), Adam Brown (Bedwas/Dragons), Matthew Larsen (Cardiff / Blues), Darren Allinson (Cardiff/Blues), Luke Ford (Wanderers / Blues), Jimmy Norris (Bedwas / Dragons)
