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Parisse is making his first appearance at the tournament. David Davies

Sergio Parisse has been passed fit and starts against Ireland on Sunday

Parisse returns as one of five changes for Jacques Brunel’s side.

ITALY CAPTAIN SERGIO Parisse will make his first appearance of the 2015 World Cup this Sunday, as he returns from injury to face Ireland.

Parisse missed the opening two games of the tournament after needing a minor surgical procedure to remove fluid from his left leg, but has recovered in time to take on Ireland at the Olympic Stadium.

The number 8 will make his 114th test cap this weekend, and he’s one of five changes for Jacques Brunel’s side, four of which come in the forwards, following last week’s five point win against Canada.

Samuale Vunisa, who replaced Parisse at number 8 drops out of the squad while the other backrow change sees Simone Favaro come in for Allesandro Zanni, who starts from the bench.

In the second row, it’s as you were with Josh Furno and Quentin Geldenhuys, while there are two changes in the front row, Matias Aguero returning at loosehead in place of Michele Rizzo, while Andrea Manici is in at hooker for Leonardo Ghiraldini.

Martin Castrogiovanni’s fall from grace continues though. Having been dropped to the bench for the Canada game, he’s now out of the 23 altogether, with Dario Chistolini taking his place among the substitutes.

Edoardo Gori and Tommaso Allan make up the half-backs and it’s the same back three of Luke McLean, Leonardo Sarto and Giovanbattista Venditti.

The only change in the backline sees Michele Campagnaro return at outside centre, partnering Gonzalo Garcia.

Italy (v Ireland)

1. Matias Aguero
2. Andrea Manici
3. Lorenzo Cittadini
4. Ouintin Geldenhuys
5. Josh Furno
6. Francesco Minto
7. Simone Favaro
8. Sergio Parisse (c)
9. Edoardo Gori
10. Tommaso Allan
11. Giovanbattista Venditti
12. Gonzalo Garcia
13. Michele Capagnaro
14. Leonardo Sarto
15. Luke McLean

Replacements:

16. Davide Giazzon
17. Michele Rizzo
18. Dario Chistolini
19. Alessandro Zanni
20. Mauro Bergamasco
21. Guglielmo Palazzani
22. Carlo Canna
23. Tommaso Benvenuti

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Author
Neil Treacy
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