The Ulstermen's only previous defeat to an Italian opponent came in October 2011 at Ravenhill when Treviso were the visitors.
Ruan Pienaar will start at fly-half and he is partnered in the half-backs by Paul Marshall, who makes his first Ulster start since December.
Darren Cave switches from inside-centre back to his more familiar role at outside-centre, with Payne, Craig Gilroy and Luke Marshall - who all scored tries in the Heineken Cup Pool five match against Treviso in December - also named in the backline.
Up front, Ricky Lutton starts at tighthead, with Rob Herring named at hooker and Tom Court selected at loosehead.
Trevisolost 75-7 to Ospreys last time out but Payne isn't anticipating an easy ride.
"Treviso had a bit of a setback last week (in a loss to Ospreys) and they'll be hurting so everyone will need to be on their toes," he said.
"Last year we were lucky enough to have a bit of a buffer but now we can't slip up if we're going to stay in touch.
"As one of the older heads I just have to get on the ball a bit more and encourage these guys to show the talent that they have."
Treviso have slipped to five straight defeats in all competitions since beating Zebre over Christmas but they have not lost successive matches in the RaboDirect PRO12 at Stadio Monigo since November 2012.
But head coach Marius Goosen will have some national players - including captain Antonio Pavanello, who will take back his place in the second row alongside Valerio Bernabò, while Manoa Vosawai will replace the injured Christian Loamanu as flanker.
Elsewhere, fly-half James Ambrosini will be replaced by Mat Berquist, while Brendan Williams will play as full-back, Andrea Pratichetti on the wing and Alberto Sgarbi as outside centre.
At Stadio Monigo, 3pm local time (2pm UK & Ireland) Live on Sport Mediaset
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU, 59th competition game)
Assistant Referees: TBA, Andrea Spadoni (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Alberto Recaldini (FIR)
TMO: Carlo Damasco (FIR)
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