Italy v Ireland - Facts
Jamie Heaslip is closing in on his 100th Test cap for Ireland
©PA
The second round of Six Nations will be Italy hosting Ireland on Saturday. Here are few of the key facts ahead of the encounter.
> Ireland and Italy have met 26 times, with Ireland victorious on 22 occasions, and the Azzurri four.
> Ireland will aim for their fifth consecutive win over Italy, having last lost to the Italians in Rome in 2013.
> Jamie Heaslip will move past Malcolm O'Kelly to become Ireland's eighth most-capped player of all time in Rome, claiming his 93rd Test appearance.
> Sergio Parisse will extend his record as Italy's record caps holder to 123 Test bows this weekend. Parisse will also captain Italy for the 75th time.
> Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has made two changes to the side that lost 27-22 in Scotland, with Donnacha Ryan and Cian Healy replacing Iain Henderson and Jack McGrath.
> Italy show four changes from the side that were beaten 33-7 at home by Wales last weekend, with hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini, lock Dries van Schalkwyk, flanker Simone Favaro and Treviso wing Angelo Esposito all starting.
> Scrum-half Conor Murray will make his 50th start for Ireland on Saturday, in his 55th cap overall.
> Italy coach Conor O'Shea will coach a Test team against his home nation Ireland for the first time in his career.
> Kieran Marmion is in line for his 10th Ireland cap off the bench, with Saturday also his 25th birthday.
> Ulster wing Craig Gilroy has won selection to an RBS 6 Nations match squad for the first time with Ireland since 2013.
