ITALY have made five changes after their Dublin drubbing as they attempt to avoid the Six Nations wooden spoon by stunning Wales in Cardiff, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Azzurri head to Principality Stadium fresh from a 58-15 hammering and a catastrophic performance against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

They have shipped 20 tries in the tournament so far and are attempting to avoid a similar fate to the final weekend in 2015 when Wales crossed nine times in a 60-21 success at the Stadio Olimipico.

Italy have lost all nine Tests against Wales in the reign of Warren Gatland, their last victory coming when they triumphed 23-20 at the Stadio Flaminio in 2007 when referee Chris White famously blew the whistle after allowing the visitors to kick a penalty to touch.

Veteran tighthead Martin Castrogiovanni is back from suspension to win his 119th cap – a national record he now shares with talisman captain Sergio Parisse – and there are recalls for centre Andrea Pratichetti, fly-half Tommaso Allan and locks Quintin Geldenhuys and Valerio Bernabo.

Italy’s hopes of avoiding a whitewash are hindered by the absence of Exeter centre Michele Campagnaro, who suffered a knee injury in Dublin.

"The backbone of the team is not different from the one that has played the rest of this tournament," said coach Jacques Brunel, who will become forwards coach at Bordeaux-Begles after the tournament with Harlequins boss Conor O’Shea tipped to be his successor.

"Allan from the first minute? Tommaso knows our game and he comes back from a long injury but on his return with Perpignan he has shown that he's in condition.

"In addition, with Haimona and McLean on the bench, we are able to cover all roles 10-15 with only two players, which was a factor taken into account.

"Wales, similarly to Ireland, are a team that has the ability to play with great effectiveness.

"We will not give them time and space as in Dublin, it will be crucial to slow down their game at the breakdown and keep the right attitude for all 80 minutes."

Italy: D Odiete, L Sarto, A Pratichetti, G Garcia, M Bellini, T Allan, G Palazzani, A Lovotti, D Giazzon, M Castrogiovanni, Q Geldenhuys, V Bernardo, F Minto, S Parisse (captain), A Zanni. Replacements: O Fabiani, M Zanusso, D Chistolini, J Sarto, A Steyn, A Lucchese, K Haimona, L McLean