Michele Campagnaro to lead inexperienced Italy team against Ireland in Chicago
Centre Michele Campagnaro will captain an inexperienced Italy team against Six Nations champions Ireland in Chicago next week.
Campagnaro takes on leadership duties for the first time from number eight Sergio Parisse, who is among several front-line players not involved for the November 3 encounter at Solider Field.
Zebre flanker Johan Meyer will make his Test debut, the Italian Rugby Federation announced, and there are also starts for the likes of Benetton full-back Luca Sperandio and Zebre number eight Renato Giammarioli.
Benetton back Ian McKinley, meanwhile, is on the bench against his native country.
The 28-year-old, who was born in Dublin, qualifies for Italy on residency grounds. He retired from rugby in 2011 after losing the sight in his left eye, but he returned to action three years later using specially-manufactured goggles.
McKinley made his Italy debut against Fiji last year, and also featured in autumn Tests against South Africa and Argentina.
Italy team: L Sperandio; M Bellini, M Campagnaro (capt), L Morisi, G Bisegni; C Canna, T Tebaldi; N Quaglio, L Bigi, T Pasquali, M Fuser, G Biagi, J Meyer, A Steyn, R Giammarioli.
Replacements: O Fabiani, C Traore, J Zilocchi, M Lazzaroni, F Ruzza, J Tuivatti, G Palazzani, I McKinley.