Five changes for Italy in Brunel farewell

Brunel, who has been at the helm since 2011, is desperate to avoid a second wooden spoon of his tenure having seen his side lose to England, France, Scotland and suffer a 58-15 mauling by Ireland last time out.

In the front row, Martin Castrogiovanni returns to replace the injured Lorenzo Cittadini, while locks Quintin Geldenhuys and Valerio Bernaboso come in for flu victim Marco Fuser and George Biagi who was injured in Dublin.

Flyhalf Tommaso Allan replaces Eduardo Padovani while, at centre, Andrea Pratichetti takes over from injured Michele Campagnaro.

"Wales, like Ireland, can be very effective. We can't afford to allow them too much time and space like we did in Dublin," said Brunel.

Italy have suffered nine successive defeats against Wales, while last season's Six Nations game between the countries saw Wales run out 61-20 winners in Rome.

Date: Saturday, March 19

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Kick-off: 14.30 (15.30 CET; 14.30 GMT)

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

Agence France-Presse