Ireland were impressive bonus point winners in Marseille against France last week.
Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell has made six changes to his team ahead of the visit of Italy to the Aviva Stadium this weekend.
Athlone's Robbie Henshaw, who retains his place at outside centre will be partnered by Ulster's Stuart McCloskey.
Another former Buccaneers player in Finlay Bealham will start at tight head prop in place of Tadgh Furlong.
Elsewhere James Ryan, Ryan Baird, and Jack Conan all come in to the pack with Caelan Doris captaining the side for the first time in Peter O'Mahony's absence.
The Italians will be without back row forwards Sebastien Negri and Lorenzo Cannon.
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