Parisse wins his 142nd cap, surpassing Irishman Brian O'Driscoll's 141, to become the record appearance maker of the northern hemisphere. Only New Zealand's Richie McCaw, with 148, has more.

The 36-year-old Italian will be flanked by former Junior Springbok looseforward Braam Steyn and Jake Polledri for their match against South Africa on Friday, their third in Pool B. Steyn and Polledri both featured at No 8 in Parisse's absence during Italy's win against Canada.

Elsewhere, Italy coach Conor O'Shea moves Michele Campagnaro, who started in the centre in the Canada game, to the left wing, while Tommaso Benvenuti stays on the right, having played at outside-centre in their opening-match victory against Namibia.

Jayden Hayward starts again at inside-centre and is partnered by Luca Morisi, while Matteo Minozzi keeps the No 15 jersey after a stellar display against Canada that featured a try and two try-saving tackles. 

Italy team:
1. Andrea Lovotti
2. Luca Bigi
3. Simone Ferrari
4. David Sisi
5. Dean Budd
6. Braam Steyn
7. Jake Polledri
8. Sergio Parisse (captain)
9. Tito Tebaldi
10. Tommaso Allan
11. Michele Campagnaro
12. Jayden Hayward
13. Luca Morisi
14. Tommaso Benvenuti
15. Matteo Minozzi
Replacements:
16. Federico Zani
17. Nicola Quaglio
18. Marco Riccioni
19. Alessandro Zanni
20. Federico Ruzza
21. Sebastian Negri
22. Callum Braley
23. Carlo Canna