The Saracens lock takes the place of centre Ollie Devoto as Jones opted to include six forwards and only two back in the replacements.
There are three changes from the team that beat Scotland 15-9 in the opening round with loosehead Mako Vunipola, lock Courtney Lawes and scrum-half Ben Youngs coming in for Joe Marler, Joe Launchbury and Danny Care who are all among the replacements.
Dylan Hartley will again lead the side with No 8 Billy Vunipola, inside centre Owen Farrell and full-back Mike Brown all named as vice captains.
“We’ve made a few changes to the line-up for Italy,” said Jones. “I believe this is the strongest 23 to go to Rome and get the performance and result we want.
“Mako, Ben and Courtney have been pushing hard for selection during training, but they also fit the game plan we want to implement against Italy.
“Danny, Joe Marler and Joe Launchbury will all have significant roles to play to finish the game.
“It has been an intense week of training and I am pleased with how the group have responded to some of the things we’ve asked them to do.
“Maro has consistently impressed me this week and, together with his excellent club form, has deserved his call up to the match day squad.
“We are confident we can go to Rome and win, but we’re in no doubt of the challenge we face. Italy took France very close last weekend in Paris so they’ll be fired up.”
England: Mike Brown (Harlequins); Anthony Watson (Bath), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Jack Nowell (Exeter); George Ford (Bath), Ben Youngs (Leicester); Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton, Capt.), Dan Cole (Leicester); Courtney Lawes (Northampton), George Kruis (Saracens); Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), James Haskell (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens).
Replacements: Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Paul Hill (Northampton), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Alex Goode (Saracens).