Sergio Parisse has been rested by Italy ahead of Saturday’s game against Ireland.
The talismanic captain picked up a knock in training so Treviso’s Robert Barbieri starts at the back of the scrum with Marco Bortolami captaining the side from lock.
As a result of Parisse’s absence, Josh Furno move across to blindside with Paul Derbyshire at openside.
Luciano Orquera and Tito Tebaldi form a new half-back partnership as they get the nod over Tommaso Allan and Edoardo Gori.
London Wasps centre Andrea Masi is on the bench.
Italy: Luke McLean, Angelo Esposito, Michele Campagnaro, Gonzalo Garcia, Leonardo Sarto, Luciano Orquera, Tito Tebaldi, Alberto de Marchi, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni, Quintin Geldenhuys, Marco Bortalami, Josh Furno, Paul Derbyshire, Robert Barbieri
Replacements: Davide Giazzon, Michele Rizzo, Lorenzo Cittadini, Antonio Pavanello, Manoa Vosawai, Edoardo Gori, Tommaso Allan, Andrea Masi.