Rubini to start for Italians

Italy coach Nick Mallett has handed uncapped Giulio Rubini a starting berth for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations game against Wales in Rome.

The Parma utility back replaces Mirco Bergamasco at number 14, with the latter shifting to centre.

Mallett has made one other change from the team which lost 26-6 against Scotland at Murrayfield, with Carlos Nieto replacing Martin Castrogiovanni in Italy's starting XV.

The Azzurri are still without Biarritz full-back Andrea Masi who has completed a three-match ban but has been ruled out by a neck injury.

Italy go into this weekend's clash at the Stadio Flaminio looking for their first triumph of the tournament, having lost their opening three games.

Italy team to face Wales at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome on Saturday:

Team: A Marcato (Benetton Treviso), G Rubini (Parma), G Canale (Clermont-Auvergne), 12 Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Francais), M Pratichetti (Calvisano), L McLean (Calvisano), P Griffen (Calvisano), S Parisse (Stade Francais), Mauro Bergamasco (Stade Francais), A Zanni (Calvisano), M Bortolami (Gloucester), S Dellape (Toulon), C Nieto (Gloucester), L Ghiraldini (Calvisano), S Perugini (Toulouse).

Replacements: F Sbaraglini (Benetton Treviso), M Castrogiovanni (Leicester), C A Del Fava (Ulster), J Sole (Viadana), P Canavosio (Viadana), L Orquera (Brive), R Quartaroli (Cariparma).