Petrarca lock Niccolo Cannone will make his Test debut in Italy's Six Nations clash in Wales.
New Azzurri boss Franco Smith has selected the uncapped 21-year-old in the second row for Saturday's Principality Stadium encounter.
Benetton's former Leicester Tigers flyer Leonardo Sarto will make his first Test appearance for more than two years, coming in from the cold to start on the wing.
The 28-year-old has not tasted international rugby since Italy's 31-15 loss to Argentina in Florence on November 18, 2017.
"We have worked hard on and off the pitch to build synergy between the staff and the players," said Italy coach Smith.
"We know our potential and what we can give.
"I have faith in the team and can't wait to see them on the pitch against Wales."
Alessandro Zanni will win his 118th cap from the second row, while Gloucester stars Jake Polledri and Calum Braley also feature in the starting XV.
Zebre hooker Luca Bigi will captain Italy for the first time after taking over from the retiring Sergio Parisse.
— Italrugby (@Federugby) January 30, 2020
Italy team to play Wales
Forwards: 1 Andrea Lovotti (Zebre Rugby Club), 2 Luca Bigi (CAPTAIN, Zebre Rugby Club), 3 Giosuè Zilocchi (Zebre Rugby Club), 4 Alessandro Zanni (Benetton Rugby), 5 Niccolò Cannone (Argos Petrarca Rugby/Benetton Rugby)*, 6 Jake Polledri (Gloucester Rugby), 7 Sebastian Negri (Benetton Rugby), 8 Abraham Steyn (Benetton Rugby),
Backs: 9 Callum Braley (Gloucester Rugby), 10 Tommaso Allan (Benetton Rugby), 11 Mattia Bellini (Zebre Rugby Club), 12 Carlo Canna (Zebre Rugby Club), 13 Luca Morisi (Benetton Rugby), 14 Leonardo Sarto (Benetton Rugby), 15 Matteo Minozzi (Wasps Rugby)
Replacements: 16 Federico Zani (Benetton Rugby), 17 Danilo Fischetti (Zebre Rugby Club)*, 18 Marco Riccioni (Benetton Rugby), 19 Marco Lazzaroni (Benetton Rugby), 20 Dean Budd (Benetton Rugby), 21 Giovanni Licata (Zebre Rugby Club), 22 Guglielmo Palazzani (Zebre Rugby Club), 23 Jayden Hayward (Benetton Rugby)
* Denotes uncapped player.