With 162 caps between them the Italian pair add a wealth of experience to the side who are looking to bounce back from Saturday’s 30-12 defeat to France in Paris.

There are changes on the bench with Treviso second row Antonio Pavanello called in after his return from suspension, and uncapped Luca Morisi in line for a test debut having been preferred to Sgarbi.

Veteran flanker Mauro Bergamasco also returns on the bench ahead of Simone Favaro.

The Azzurri are set to play in front of their biggest home crowd in RBS 6 Nations history in the clash at the Olimpico, their temporary home while the Stadio Flaminio is being redeveloped.

And they will also be seeking a first-ever win against England, having come within four and five points in their last two home encounters with the Red Rose.

Italy
15. Andrea Masi (Aironi Rugby)
14. Giovanbattista Venditti (Aironi Rugby)
13. Tommaso Benvenuti (Benetton Treviso)
12. Gonzalo CANALE (Clermont-Auvergne)
11. Luke MCLEAN (Benetton Treviso)
10. Kristopher BURTON (Benetton Treviso)
9. Edoardo GORI (Benetton Treviso)
1. Andrea LO CICERO (Racing-Metro Paris)
2. Leonardo GHIRALDINI (Benetton Treviso)
3. Martin CASTROGIOVANNI (Leicester Tigers)
4. Quintin GELDENHUYS (Aironi Rugby)
5. Marco BORTOLAMI (Aironi Rugby)
6. Alessandro ZANNI (Benetton Treviso)
7. Robert BARBIERI (Benetton Treviso)
8. Sergio PARISSE (Stade Français)

Replacements:
16. Tommaso D'APICE (Aironi Rugby)
17. Lorenzo CITTADINI (Benetton Treviso)
18. Antonio PAVANELLO (Benetton Treviso)
19. Mauro BERGAMASCO (Aironi Rugby)
20. Fabio SEMENZATO (Benetton Treviso)
21. Tobias BOTES (Benetton Treviso)
22. Luca MORISI (BancaMonteParma Crociati)