Brunel has not held back in his squad selection © Getty Images

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Jacques Brunel has named five changes ahead of Italy's trip to Paris to face France in the Six Nations.

After his first-minute blunder against Wales, Angelo Esposito makes way for Tommaso Iannone, while Gonzalo Garcia moves to outside centre in place of Alberto Sgarbi after a six-month injury layoff. In the pack, prop Alberto de Marchi and lock Joshua Furno come in for Michele Rizzo and Marco Bortolami, who won his 100th cap against Wales, while Francesco Minto comes in at flanker for Alessandro Zanni.

Sergio Parisse continues as captain at No. 8, while Mauro Bergamasco moves closer to joining Bortolami as he lines up for his 97th international cap.

Italy have won two of their last three Six Nations encounters against France - though both of those came in Rome and not on the road. Italy ran Wales close last weekend but Brunel believes his side can cut down the error count which cost them dearly in Cardiff.

"France's strength is their history," Brunel said. "They are World Cup runners-up.

"They had a difficult time last year but they started the Six Nations with a victory over England and that has given them a lot of confidence in their game.

"Of course our wins against them are important. I think for some time now, Italy have been improving and we all know that.

"If we play at the level we are capable of playing at, then we can get close to the top teams. We hope that on Sunday we can remain in the game as long as possible but we will need to play a perfect game."

Italy: McLean, Iannone, Campagnaro, Garcia, Scarto, Allan, Gori; De Marchi, Ghiraldini, Castrogiovani, Geldenhuys, Funro, Minto, Bergamasco, Parisse (c).

Replacements: Giazzon, Rizzo, Cittadini, Bortolami, Zanni, Botes, Orquera, Esposito.