The prop has been ruled out for the encounter at the Stadio Flaminio as he is struggling with a fever.

Lo Cicero's absence is another blow for coach Pierre Berbizier who will also have to do without suspended flanker Mauro Bergamasco.

Berbizier has once again opted for Ramiro Pez at fly-half, relegating Andrea Scanavacca to the bench.

The Azzurri go into this weekend's match looking to keep up their sizzling form after their historic triumphs against Scotland at Murrayfield and at home to Wales last weekend.

Italy team:

R De Marigny (Calvisano), K Robertson (Viadana), E Galon (Parma), M Bergamasco (Stade Francais), M Pratichetti (Calvisano), R Pez (Bayonne), A Troncon (Clermont Auvergne); S Perugini (Toulouse), C Festuccia (Parma), C Nieto (Gloucester), S Dellape (Biarritz), M Bortolami (Gloucester), A Zanni (Calvisano), M Zaffiri (Calvisano), S Parisse (Stade Francais).

Replacements: L Ghiraldini (Calvisano), F Staibano (Parma), V Bernabo (Calvisano), J Sole (Viadana), P Griffen (Calvisano), A Scanavacca (Calvisano), M Barbini (Treviso).