Sergio Parisse will move to third all-time in terms of number of caps when he captains Italy in their second World Cup warm-up clash against Russia in San Benedetto del Tronto.
The Azzurri skipper did not feature in Saturday’s defeat to Ireland, but returns to lead the side as one of 14 changes. He will win his 139th international cap, moving level with George Gregan for the third most caps. Only Brian O’Driscoll and Richie McCaw have won more.
Matteo Minozzi is the only player to keep his place, having been promoted to the starting line-up at the last minute in Dublin following Marco Zanon’s withdrawal.
In the back row, Parisse will be joined by Jake Polledri and Braam Steyn, while Dave Sisi and Federico Ruzza line up in the second row.
Luca Bigi gets the nod at hooker, with Tiziano Pasquali and Andrea Lovotti propping.
Meanwhile in the backs, Minozzi starts on the wing, allowing Jayden Hayward to come in at full-back, with Mattia Bellini completing the back three.
Luca Morisi and Michele Campagnaro form an experienced midfield and Benetton pair Tito Tebaldi and Tommaso Allan will be the half-backs.
Conor O’Shea is set to name his bench later in the week, and has set his sights on a win in Italy’s sole warm-up match on home soil.
He said: “We’re not happy with the defeat in Ireland but there were good things that we can take away and work on to keep improving.
“We are taking on a team who have made their physicality a strong point. We want to bring home a victory imposing our game and our rhythm while keeping the focus on us.”
Italy team to face Russia: 15. Jayden Hayward (Benetton) 14. Matteo Minozzi (Wasps) 13. Michele Campagnaro (Harlequins) 12. Luca Morisi (Benetton) 11. Mattia Bellini (Zebre) 10. Tommaso Allan (Benetton) 9. Tito Tebaldi (Benetton)
1. Andrea Lovotti (Zebre) 2. Luca Bigi (Zebre) 3. Tiziano Pasquali (Benetton) 4. David Sisi (Zebre) 5. Federico Ruzza (Benetton) 6. Braam Steyn (Benetton) 7. Jake Polledri (Gloucester) 8. Sergio Parisse (Toulon) (c)
