The Albany Gazette - Depleted Italy make nine changes for Australia Test

It has been a nightmare tour for Italy so far, crashing 27-10 in Tokyo to Japan and 47-17 against the All Blacks at Wellington.

After the New Zealand match, Quesada criticised the referee and World Rugby's scheduling, which led to his suspension just hours before the team was announced.

They are also without experienced lock Niccolo Cannone who was banned for four games over a headbutt in last week's defeat.

Adding to their woes, fullback Tommaso Allan (foot) and No.8 Lorenzo Cannone (back) have returned to Italy for further treatment.

But in a boost, Lorenzo Pani has recovered after missing the New Zealand Test to return in the number 15 jersey.

Lyon's Monty Ioane and Benetton's Louis Lynagh fill the wings while Juan Ignacio Brex and Paolo Odogwu make their first appearance of the Nations Championship as the centre pairing.

The Garbisi brothers, Paolo and Alessandro, are entrusted with pulling the strings as fly-half and scrum-half respectively.

In the back row, captain Michell Lamaro will be joined by Ross Vintcent and Riccardo Favretto.

Giulio Marini is retained after his debut against the All Blacks, joining the experienced Federico Ruzza in the second row.

Marco Riccioni, Gianmarco Lucchesi, and Muhamed Hasa will be in the front row.

Italy have beaten Australia in their past two meetings, most recently at Udine in November when they edged Joe Schmidt's side 26-19.

Italy (15-1):

Lorenzo Pani; Louis Lynagh, Juan Ignacio Brex, Paolo Odogwu, Monty Ioane; Paolo Garbisi, Alessandro Garbisi; Ross Vintcent, Michele Lamaro (capt), Riccardo Favretto; Federico Ruzza, Giulio Marini; Marco Riccioni, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Muhamed Hasa

Replacements: Pablo Dimcheff, Danilo Fischetti, Ion Neculai, Andrea Zambonin, Alessandro Ortombina, Alessandro Fusco, Giacomo Da Re, Leonardo Marin

(D.Lewis--TAG)