Dublin - Ireland coach Declan Kidney stuck with the same side that beat France 30-21 last weekend when he announced Wednesday his team to play Italy in Sunday's second round Six Nations clash in Rome.
Both centre Paddy Wallace and hooker Jerry Flannery have been passed fit after sustaining injuries in the France game.
Prop John Hayes is set to equal the Irish cap record of 91 appearances of his fellow squad member Malcolm O'Kelly, who is on the bench.
Ireland team to play Italy in their Six Nations international in Rome on Sunday:
Ireland Team:
Robert Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Paddy Wallace, Luke Fitzgerald; Ronan O'Gara, Tomas O'Leary; Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Stephen Ferris; Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan; John Hayes, Jerry Flannery, Marcus Horan
Replacements: Rory Best, Tom Court, Malcolm O'Kelly, Denis Leamy, Peter Stringer, Gordon D'Arcy, Geordan Murphy