Conor O’Shea has named his first Italy starting XV in the RBS 6 Nations as they prepare to welcome Wales to Rome on Sunday.
Ten of the side that claimed their famous win over South Africa in November return to start against Rob Howley’s Wales side with three more on the bench.
La vostra #Italrugby per la prima giornata del @sixnationsrugby 2017#ITAvWAL pic.twitter.com/w8g5v5a7A2
— Italrugby (@Federugby) February 1, 2017
The back three sees Edoardo Padovani at full-back with Giulio Bisegni on the left wing and their youthful exuberance balances with the experience of Giovanbattista Venditti on the right.
In the centres Luke McLean and Tommaso Benvenuti resume their partnership – meaning the in-form Exeter Chief Michele Campagnaro has to settle for a place on the bench.
The half-back pairing sees the experience of Edoardo Gori at scrum-half preferred to Giorgio Bronzini while the impressive Carlo Canna dons the No.10 jersey as he did 12 months ago.