Troncon will win his 86th cap

The veteran scrum-half returns after missing the autumn Tests following a fall-out with coach John Kirwan.

Luciano Orquera comes into the side at fly-half for his first Six Nations match, as does wing Ludovico Nitoglia.

Kirwan will make a late decision on whether Fabio Ongaro or Giorgio Intoppa starts at hooker.

Intoppa will step in if Ongaro fails a fitness test on a groin strain.

Troncon, Italy's most-capped player after 85 Tests, returns at the expense of the unfortunate Paul Griffen.

Griffen has been struggling with a hamstring strain and needs to prove his fitness to take his place on the bench.

O'Sullivan wary of Italy

It will be Troncon's first Six Nations outing in nearly two years after missing last year's tournament with a knee injury.

"It was important that 'Troncy' got back to enjoying his rugby again," Kirwan told BBC Sport.

"He is a great player and he has got a lot to offer as far as leadership goes. His experience is crucial."

Have Your Say Discuss the team on Scrum V

Marco Bortolami, Kirwan's new captain, has recovered from flu in time to lead the side.

"Marco has really grown as a player and a leader," Kirwan added.

"Our forward pack has been together for two years now and they are growing together as a team."

Italy team: Roland De Marigny; Mirco Bergamasco, Gonzalo Canale, Andrea Masi, Ludovico Nitoglia; Luciano Orquera, Alessandro Troncon; Andrea Lo Cicero, Fabio Ongaro or Giorgio Intoppa, Martin Castrogiovanni, Santiago Dellape, Marco Bortolami (capt), Aaron Persico, Mauro Bergamasco, Sergio Parisse.
Replacements: Salvatore Perugini, Giorgio Intoppa or Carlo Festuccia, Carlo Antonio Del Fava, David Dal Maso, Paul Griffen or Pietro Travagli, Walter Pozzebon, Kaine Robertson.