Franco Smith has named a squad largely similar to the group selected for the autumn international window, with the addition of six uncapped players.
Wales-born Stephen Varney made appearances off the Italy bench in Nations Cup games against Scotland and France last month.
What does it mean to become naturalised? How does it feel to embed oneself so deeply in another country that when you sport its emblem on your breast and bleed for it on the field.
Italy are on a horrible losing streak in the Six Nations and things won't get any easier with title-chasing England in Rome on Saturday.
Matches haven't been played in the Guinness PRO14 since March 1 but it roars back into action with six games this weekend... here are all the chosen XVs.
RugbyPass looks at the weight and height of loosehead props across the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14 to see how the leagues’ No1s and No17s compare.
The Italian franchise have just two wins from a dozen outings in this season’s Guinness PRO14, but pack statistics have resulted in a dozen forwards signing new deals.
Italy haven't had the smoothest of journeys in the Guinness Six Nations, though there is growing evidence that they can turn it around in the coming years.