Faletau, widely considered one of the finest number eights in world rugby, hasn't featured for his country since their last victory. That was against Georgia in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and Wales have been on a 13-match losing streak since.
The 34-year-old, who has 104 caps for his country, is part of a rejigged back row, along with James Botham at blindside. Captain Jac Morgan at openside is the only player in the back row to have started last weekend's match in France, during which Aaron Wainwright - now on the bench - had to withdraw early due to a severe facial injury.
There is a change in midfield for Wales, who also lost Owen Watkin in the first quarter in Paris. He is replaced at 12 by the 22-year-old, 6'4" Eddie James from Scarlets, making his first start for Wales after his Test debut in South Africa last summer.
Wales team to face Italy, 14:15, Saturday 8th February
15 Liam Williams (Saracens); 14 Tom Rogers (Scarlets); 13 Nick Tompkins (Saracens), 12 Eddie James (Scarlets); 11 Josh Adams (Cardiff); 10 Ben Thomas (Cardiff), 9 Tomos Williams (Gloucester); 1 Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), 2 Evan Lloyd (Cardiff), 3 Henry Thomas (Scarlets); 4 Will Rowlands (Racing 92), 5 Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter); 6 James Botham (Cardiff), 7 Jac Morgan (c) (Ospreys), 8 Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff)
Replacements
16 Elliot Dee (Dragons), 17 Nicky Smith (Leicester), 18 Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), 19 Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), 20 Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), 21 Rhodri Williams (Dragons), 22 Dan Edwards (Ospreys), 23 Blair Murray (Scarlets)
