The Azzurri made four changes for the clash with Wales as half-backs Edoardo Gori and Kristopher Burton came in for Tobias Botes and Luciano Orquera respectively while Antonio Pavanello came into the second row and Manoa Vosawai replaced suspended captain Sergio Parisse.

Parisse has been omitted because of his ban but he continues to train with the squad while he awaits the result of his appeal.

Both Gori and Burton picked up knocks in the 26-9 defeat to Wales but both remain in the squad, as does stand-in captain Martin Castrogiovanni, who has remained in Italy to receive treatment for a neck injury, Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill confirmed.

“Castro is not fit and not coming back from Italy,” said Cockerill. “His neck is no good. Who knows how long he will be out for. He is staying with Italy for treatment.”