Italy
Martin Castrogiovanni back for Italy coach Jacques Brunel's final game
ESPN Staff
March 17, 2016
© Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Veteran prop Martin Castrogiovanni is one of five changes to Italy's starting XV as departing coach Jacques Brunel looks to bow out on a high.

The Azzurri head to the Millennium Stadium, a ground where they have never tasted championship victory, already guaranteed the Wooden Spoon.

However, Brunel is able to welcome back former Leicester prop Castrogiovanni to the front-row following his two-week ban for stamping on Scotland's Duncan Taylor.

Castrogiovanni, who will win his 119th cap, will be joined in the pack by a new partnership at lock, with Quintin Geldenhuys starting alongside Valerio Bernabo.

There is also a first start in this year's championship for fly-half Tommaso Allan, while Andrea Pratichetti replaces the injured Michele Campagnaro at outside centre.

Jacopo Sarto, meanwhile, could earn his first cap after being named on the replacements' bench.

"The backbone of the team is not different from the one that has played the rest of this tournament," said Brunel. 

"Wales, similarly to Ireland, are a team that has the ability to play with great effectiveness.

"We will not give them time and space as in Dublin, it will be crucial to slow down their game at the breakdown and keep the right attitude for all 80 minutes." 

Italy team (to play Wales): Odiete, L. Sarto, Pratichetti, Garcia, Bellini, Allan, Palazzini; Lovotti, Giazzon, Castrogiovanni, Geldenhuys, Bernabo, Minto, Zanni, Parisse (captain).

Replacements: Fabiano, Zanusso, Chistolini, J. Sarto, Steyn, Lucchese, Haimona, McLean.

© ESPN Staff

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