Sergio Parisse returns for Italy to lead them against England as one of three changes to the team for Round Four of the Guinness Six Nations at Twickenham.
Parisse had missed the defeat with Ireland last time out through injury but is fit to reclaim his place at No.8, while Sebastian Negri is also recovered from illness to join him in the back row.
The only other change to the team is at hooker where Luca Bigi gets his first start of the Championship in place of Leonardo Ghiraldini, who drops to the bench having captained the team last time out.
Two years ago Conor O’Shea caused England plenty of problems with their no-ruck tactics at Twickenham, but the Azzurri coach is well-aware of the task that awaits his side.
He said: “It will be a big challenge. We have trained well this week to build on the great work done before the Ireland game.
“The focus has to be on ourselves and on the things we can control, trying to play our best rugby.”
Parisse and Negri’s returns mean that Jimmy Tuivaiti and Maxime Mbandà drop out of the side, as Braam Steyn switches from No.8 to openside, with Jake Polledri the only new face on the bench as he prepares for his first match of the Championship.
Italy team to face England
15. Jayden Hayward (Benetton Rugby) 14. Edoardo Padovani (Zebre Rugby Club) 13. Michele Campagnaro (Wasps) 12. Luca Morisi (Benetton Rugby) 11. Angelo Esposito (Benetton Rugby) 10. Tommaso Allan (Benetton Rugby) 9. Tito Tebaldi (Benetton Rugby)
1. Andrea Lovotti (Zebre Rugby Club) 2. Luca Bigi (Benetton Rugby) 3. Simone Ferrari (Benetton Rugby) 4. Federico Ruzza (Benetton Rugby) 5. Dean Budd (Benetton Rugby) 6. Sebastian Negri (Benetton Rugby) 7. Braam Steyn (Benetton Rugby) 8. Sergio Parisse (Stade Français) (c)
Replacements:
16. Leonardo Ghiraldini (Stade Toulousain) 17. Cherif Traoré (Benetton Rugby) 18. Tiziano Pasquali (Benetton Rugby) 19. David Sisi (Zebre Rugby Club) 20. Jake Polledri (Gloucester Rugby) 21. Guglielmo Palazzani (Zebre Rugby Club) 22. Ian McKinley (Benetton Rugby) 23. Tommaso Castello (Zebre Rugby Club)
