WALES’ Six Nations title challenge has been boosted by Italy having to cope without captain and talisman Sergio Parisse in Rome.

The Stade Francais number eight will miss the clash at the Stadio Olimpico after limping off in the closing stages of their disappointing 29-0 loss to France last weekend.

Wales need to thrash the Azzurri to pile on the pressure on England and Ireland for top spot and the absence of Parisse, one of the best players on the planet, is a huge blow to the Italians.

However, will still take a monumental effort in Rome as the influential back row forward was also absent when Warren Gatland’s men struggled to a 26-9 success in grim conditions two years ago.

Italy are sure to pile the pressure on props Rob Evans and Aaron Jarvis as they boast a strong front row with Leicester’s Michele Rizzo and Leonardo Ghiraldini joined by Toulon tighthead Martin Castrogiovanni.

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau said: “It’s going to be a physical encounter and we know what Italy bring, it’s going to be a challenge at the set piece. They are big, strong physical men.

“We are going out there to win the game first, then any extra points that we can score will be a bonus,” he continued. “We are out there to win the game first and if it opens up late on then great.”

Parisse is replaced in the back row by Samuela Vunisa, who moves from openside flanker, with veteran Mauro Bergamasco handed the number seven shirt.

Leicester hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini will take over the captaincy while Zebre fly-half Kelly Haimona has returns after missing the loss to France.

Italy: L McLean (Sale); L Sarto (Zebre), L Morisi (Treviso), A Masi (Wasps), G Venditti (Zebre); K Haimona (Zebre), E Gori (Treviso); M Rizzo (Leicester), L Ghiraldini (Leicester, captain), M Castrogiovanni (Toulon), G Biagi (Zebre), J Furno (Newcastle), F Minto (Treviso), M Bergamasco (Zebre), S Vunisa (Zebre).

Replacements: A Manici (Zebre), A De Marchi (Sale), D Chistolini (Zebre), Q Geldenhuys (Zebre), R Barbieri (Leicester), G Palazzani (Zebre), L Orquera (Zebre), E Bacchin (Treviso).