Coach Nick Mallett made five changes to his Italy team on Thursday ahead of Saturday's international Test match against Samoa in Ascoli on Saturday.

South African Mallett reverted to the same starting XV that lost 20-6 to New Zealand in Milan two weeks ago.

Backs Kaine Robertson, Gonzalo Canale and Tito Tebaldi as well as forwards Mauro Bergamasco and Leonardo Ghiraldini are all restored to the starting line-up.

Mallett included one uncapped player, Rovigo back Riccardo Bocchino, on the bench.

Following last weekend's 32-10 defeat to South Africa in Udine, Italy are trying to end a 13-match losing streak.

Italy: Luke McLean, Kaine Robertson, Gonzalo Canale, Gonzalo Garcia, Mirco Bergamasco, Craig Gower, Tito Tebaldi, Sergio Parisse, Mauro Bergamasco, Alessandro Zanni, Quintin Geldenhuys, Carlo Antonio Del Fava; Martin Castrogiovanni, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Salvatore Perugini. Reserves: Fabio Ongaro, Ignacio Rouyet, Josh Sole, Simone Favaro, Simon Piccone, Riccardo Bocchino, Alberto Sgarbi

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