Brunel brings out the big guns
Italian coach Jacques Brunel named an experienced side to take on defending champions Ireland in their 2015 Six Nations opener in Rome on Saturday.
Legendary No.8 Sergio Parisse leads a side that boasts 660 caps and shows only two changes, both injury-enforced, from their last outing – a 6-22 defeat to South Africa in November.
George Fabio Biagi comes into the second row alongside Josh Furno, replacing Quintin Geldenhuys, while Francesco Minto replaces Samuela Vunisa at openside flank, Alessandro Zanni completing the back row.
The backline is unchanged, Kelly Haimona making his first start in the Six Nations outside the experienced Edoardo Gori.
Luca Morisi and Michele Campagnaro link up in the midfield, with Luke McLean, Leonardo Sarto and Andrea Masi the back three.
Up front the irrepressible Martin Castrogiovanni packs down alongside Leonardo Ghiraldini and Matias Aguero.
The Italians will be hoping for a repeat of Ireland's last visit to the Stadio Olimpico, a 22-15 victory for the Azzurri, though last year the Irish exacted revenge with a comprehensive 46-7 win in Dublin.
"It is not the easiest challenge," Brunel said.
"Ireland are the tournament favourites, but two years ago we beat them and we hope to have the right attitude this time. And this is the start of a tournament, so anything can happen.
"Two years ago we dominated the game, last year it was impossible to avoid their domination when all the statistics, like possession and tackles, were so negative. Something has to change and we will try to do so."
Italy: 15 Andrea Masi, 14 Leonardo Sarto, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Luca Morisi, 11 Luke McLean, 10 Kelly Haimona, 9 Edoardo Gori, 8 Sergio Parisse (captain), 7 Francesco Minto, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 George Biagi, 4 Joshua Furno, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Matias Aguero.
Replacements: 16 Andrea Manici, 17 Alberto De Marchi, 18 Dario Chistolini, 19 Marco Fuser, 20 Marco Barbini, 21 Gulgielmo Palazzani, 22 Tommaso Allan, 23 Giovanbattista Venditti.
Date: Saturday, February 7
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Kick-off: 15.30 (14.30 GMT; 14.30 Ireland time)
Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Stuart Berry (SA)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
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