(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 4 - Centre Juan Ignacio Brex will make his Italy debut in their Six Nations opener against France in Rome on Saturday after coach Franco Smith named him in his starting line-up.
The 28-year-old is a naturalised Italian who was born in Argentina.
He represented Argentina at several levels but never won a full cap for the Pumas.
Number 8 Michele Lamaro, meanwhile, will make his first start for the Azzurri after making two appearances as a substitute.
Italy are trying to end a Six Nations winless run that stretches back to 2015.
Italy: Trulla; Sperandio, Zanon, Brex Ioane; Garbisi, Varney; Lamaro, Meyer, Negri; Sisi, Lazzaroni; Riccioni, Bigi (Captain), Traoré.
Replacements: Lucchesi, Fischetti, Zilocchi, Cannone, Ruzza, Mbandà, Palazzani, Canna. (ANSA).
Rugby: Brex to make Italy debut against France
Azzurri seeking to end long winless run in Six Nations