Townsend's Glasgow are enjoying their Italian adventure

The Warriors tonight will aim to complete the second half of their Italian job when they take on Zebre.

This clash was supposed to be played in January, but was postponed so the Warriors could play their rescheduled European Rugby Champions Cup fixture with Racing 92.

And having taken down Benetton Treviso last weekend to move back into the top four - the defending champions have stayed in Italy all week for what have been smooth preparations according to Townsend.

"There is a lot you can gain from a rugby perspective (by staying in Italy). You are chatting to the players more often and training together and the focus is rugby," he said.

"The players also have a chance to socialise together. It is great to have this at this stage of the season and we will get the benefits.

"Treviso gave us a fantastic opportunity to train at their facilities. We went out with their coaches for a meal, and the forwards did a live scrum session with them. So thanks to the people who have hosted us."

Townsend has made a number of changes from the 38-16 win in Treviso, with Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg rested and a new half-back pairing of Ali Price and Duncan Weir selected.

Alex Dunbar replaces Mark Bennett at outside centre and Tommy Seymour comes in on the left wing for Sean Lamont.

Up front, Leone Nakarawa replaces Tim Swinson, Rob Harley comes in for Josh Strauss and Ryan Wilson replaces Adam Ashe.

And Townsend is now hoping his side can push for a top-two spot and a home semi-final.

"We know that we have now created an opportunity," added the head coach. "I think a lot of teams will say that their destiny is in their hands, well it's certainly in ours.

"We want to win all our remaining games to get a home semi-final because we've got Connacht and Scarlets still to play and they are above us in the league.

"But they'll say the same thing - if they win all their games then they'll get a home semi-final so there is still a lot of rugby to be played, starting tomorrow and then a huge away game next week against the Scarlets. We just have to keep working and keep improving until we get there."

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