Other players missing are inspirational scrum-half Alessandro Troncon, who retired after the World Cup, and Roland de Marigny, Paul Griffen and Marko Stanojevic.

BBC: Parisse handed Italy captaincy

Troncon's return to the squad gives Berbizier an alternative to Paul Griffen, who failed to impress in the Autumn Tests against Australia, Argentina and Canada.

BBC: SPORT | Rugby Union | Troncon earns Six Nations return

And it was Troncon who ensured the French finished the match under their own posts as he poached a second touchdown to allow Dominguez the honour of closing out the match.

BBC: Gallant Italy edged out in Paris

The introduction of scrum-half Alessandro Troncon as a replacement for the injured Paul Griffen on 49 minutes seemed to lift the Italians and the sin-binning of Manta for bringing down a maul turned the game in their favour.

BBC: Italy 24-18 Romania