Italy v Ireland
Parisse skippers settled Italy side
ESPN Staff
February 5, 2015

Sergio Parisse will skipper a settled Italian side ahead of their Six Nations opener against Ireland in Rome on Saturday.

Italy finished their autumn campaign with a 22-6 loss to South Africa and Jacques Brunel has made just two changes to that side with George Biagi replacing the injured Quintin Geldenhuys in the second-row while Francesco Minto returns in the back-row for Samuela Vunisa.

Kelly Haimona becomes yet another Six Nations debutant in the No.10 shirt for Italy with Edoardo Gori partnering him in the half-backs. Andrea Masi is at fullback with Leonardo Sarto and Luke McLean completing the back three. Michele Campagnaro and Luca Morisi are partnered in the centres.

In the pack, Parisse anchors the forwards at No.8 with Alessandro Zanni and Minto forming the back-row. Vunisa and Joshua Furno are paired in the locks with Matias Aguero, Leonardo Ghiraldini and Martin Castrogiovanni forming the front-row.

"It is not the easiest challenge," Brunel said. "Ireland are the tournament favourites, but two years ago we beat them and we hope to have the right attitude this time. And this is the start of a tournament, so anything can happen. Two years ago we dominated the game, last year it was impossible to avoid their domination when all the statistics, like possession and tackles, were so negative. Something has to change and we will try to do so."

Italy:

Andrea Masi, Leonardo Sarto, Michele Campagnaro, Luca Morisi, Luke McLean, Kelly Haimona, Edoardo Gori; Matias Aguero, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni, Joshua Furno, George Biagi, Alessandro Zanni, Francesco Minto, Sergio Parisse (captain)

Replacements: Andrea Manici, Alberto de Marchi, Dario Chistolini, Marco Fuser, Marco Barbini, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tommaso Allan, Giovambattista Venditti

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