Preview: Wales v Italy

The British and Irish Lions captain damaged nerves in his shoulder in a challenge from teammate Jake Ball during a full-contact training session in North Wales and feared the blow would sideline him from the World Cup.

However, the openside flank has since recovered to resume his role wearing the captain's armband against the Azzurri at the Millennium Stadium, where Wales will return in a fortnight for their opening game of the World Cup against Pool A minnows Uruguay.

"We wanted to see the back three together again and there are also a few guys like Sam and Cory Allen who need a game after injuries. For a few of the forwards, it's also a chance to redeem themselves for the first game against Ireland [which Wales lost 35-21 in Cardiff]," Wales coach Warren Gatland said.

The return of Warburton coincides with the recall of centre Allen, also from a shoulder injury, for his first Test appearance in 10 months.

Wales racked up a record victory in their most recent encounter with the Azzurri, although a 61-20 win in Rome fell just short of snatching the Six Nations title on a dramatic final day of the Championship in March.

"Italy is always a tough side to play against and they have picked their strongest team of the campaign. They are the sort of team that makes life very difficult if they are still in the fight. It's about being patient, grinding them down and then taking your chances.

"Our emphasis is on discipline and sending a message to the referees, especially at the scrum, that we are approaching the game in a positive way. We know in the [World Cup pool] games against England and Australia, we cannot afford to give away penalties because the games are going to be so close," he added.

Italy will also see the return of their captain, with Sergio Parisse returning after missing their first two warm-up games against Scotland.

The talismanic skipper was rested after a gruelling end to the season with club side Stade Francais and his presence will be welcome after Italy's 7-48 hammering by Scotland at Murrayfield at the end of August.

This will be a last tune-up before coach Jacques Brunel's side face his native France at London's Olympic Stadium on September 19.

Scrumhalf Edoardo Gori is back from suspension while experienced centre Andrea Masi comes in to a near full-strength Italian side that includes new flank Simone Favaro of Glasgow.

Players to watch:

For Wales: Sam Warburton comes back to lead the team after a recovering from a shoulder injury and will be interesting to see how he links up with Taulupe Faletau and James King in a new-look back row. Tomas Francis will be plying his first game at Millennium Stadium while the World's most capped prop Gethin Jenkins will bring experience on the other side of the scrum.

For Italy: Tommaso Allan will be a key man in keeping the Italians' score ticking over with his trusty boot. The experience of Martin Castrogiovanni and Leonardo Ghiraldini will certainly test Wales' resolve at scrum time. All eyes will be on the return of one of the World's best No.8s, Sergio Parisse, who is sure to bring plenty of fire and passion to the encounter.

Head to head: Look no further than the forwards as experience will lock horns when Gethin Jenkins and Martin Castrogiovanni knuckle down against each other at scrum time. Tomas Francis, playing in only his second international match, needs to prove himself at home against Michele Rizzo. Titans will come to blows at the back of the scrum as Taulupe Faletau will face a stern test against the experience of Sergio Parisse. Both sides will look to their place kickers to keep their noses ahead, so the battle of the boot between Tommaso Allan and Leigh Halfpenny should make for an interesting contest.

Recent results:

2015: Wales won 61-20, Rome

2014: Wales won 23-15, Cardiff

2013: Wales won 26-9, Rome

2012: Wales won 24-3, Cardiff

2011: Wales won 24-16, Rome

2010: Wales won 33-10, Cardiff

2009: Wales won 20-15, Rome

2008: Wales won 47-8, Cardiff

2007: Italy won    20-23, Rome

2006: Wales v Italy, Cardiff

Prediction: Italy will have their charismatic captain back and will field a near-full strength team, so they will be looking to give a better account of themselves following their heavy defeat to Scotland. Wales, on the other hand, will be full of confidence after sneaking past Ireland and will be keen to maintain that winning momentum. Throw in some 70 000 passionate supporters belting out "Land of My Fathers" and you have a recipe for a Welsh victory by at least 14.

Teams:

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Scott Williams, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 James King, 5 Dominic Day, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Paul James, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Ross Moriarty, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Matthew Morgan.

Italy: 15 Andrea Masi, 14 Leonardo Sarto, 13 Luca Morisi, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Giovanbattista Venditti, 10 Tommaso Allan, 9 Edoardo Gori, 8 Sergio Parisse (captain), 7 Francesco Minto, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Joshua Furno, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Michele Rizzo.

Replacements: 16 Andrea Manici, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Lorenzo Cittadini, 19 Valerio Bernabò, 20 Samuela Vunisa, 21 Guglielmo Palazzani, 22 Carlo Canna, 23 Luke McLean.

Date: Saturday, September 5

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Kick-off: 17.00 (18.00 Italy time; 16.00 GMT)

Expected weather: A barmy 16 degrees with patches of sunshine and a slight breeze.

Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

Assistant referees: Greg Garner (England), Dudley Phillips (Ireland)

TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

AFP and @rugby365com