Sergio Parisse returns for Italy against Ireland

Italy have been boosted by the return of captain Sergio Parisse from injury for their Rugby World Cup Pool D contest against Ireland.

Parisse's return is one of five changes made by Jacques Brunel from the side that scraped past Canada in Leeds last weekend.

Parisse is joined in the back row by Simone Favaro, who makes his first ever World Cup start, and Italy have won three of the last four Tests when the duo have started together.

Joe Schmidt named his Ireland team for Sunday's match at the Olympic Stadium earlier today.

Italy: Aguero, Handles, Cittadini; Geldenhuys, Furno; Minto, Favaro; Parisse; Gori, Allan, Venditti, Garcia, Campagnaro, Sarto, McLean Replacements: Giazzon, Rizzo, Chistolini, Zanni, Bergamasco, Palazzani, Reed, Benvenuti