Jones, who has a groin strain, failed a late fitness test on an injury that bothered him in the build-up to last weekends victory over England in Cardiff.

Llanelli Scarlets forward Jones will be replaced in the starting line-up by Neath-Swansea Ospreys Jonathan Thomas, with Cardiffs Robin Sowden-Taylor taking over from Thomas on the bench.

Former Bath flanker Andy Lloyd has also travelled to Rome with the Welsh squad to provide back-row cover.

It is unfortunate to lose Dafydd at this late stage, but Jonathan Thomas is a more than able replacement for him, said Wales coach Mike Ruddock.

Jonathan has been an integral member of our squad throughout the last year, and he has true international class.

Robin will offer us back-row cover from the bench, and his performances at regional level recently mean we have every confidence in him.

Even though we have lost Dafydd there is still a huge amount of cover, quality and flexibility on the bench, and Ian Gough has played at blindside flanker as well as lock on many occasions for his region.

Ruddock revealed Jones will undergo further medical checks on Monday to assess his fitness for the remaining championship games.

Wales are anxious to avenge their defeat against Italy in Rome two years ago, and they start as firm favourites following their win against England five days ago.

We have all arrived in Italy in good spirits, and we are now looking forward to getting down to the final part of our preparation, added Ruddock.

We have closed the book on our victory over the world champions at the Millennium Stadium last week, and are firmly focused on the task in hand.