Dan Parks replaces an injured Craig Ronaldson at outhalf and the former Scottish international is named in an otherwise all-Irish qualified Connacht team.
The only change in the pack comes with the introduction of Academy forward Eoghan Masterson who slots into openside flanker to link up with Andrew Browne and John Muldoon (captain) in the back row. This is the second senior cap for 20-year-old Masterson who made his debut at Number 8 against the Scarlets in November.
Changes on the bench include a call-up for Academy prop Finlay Bealham and veteran outhalf Miah Nikora following his return from long-term injury.
Robbie Henshaw trained with the Ireland squad all week and remains on international duty at the weekend.
Speaking about the team selection and the upcoming game, Head Coach Pat Lam said:
"With injuries from last week, we've been forced to make some frontline changes but again it's a brilliant opportunity for our young Academy players Darragh Leader, Eoghan Masterson and Finlay Bealham to step up and make their mark.
"There is a real mixture of youth and experience in this Connacht side but it's also pleasing that we can name 20 Irish qualified players in a squad of 23.
"There was definitely a sense of relief to get the win against Edinburgh last week but we have set targets for this block of games and we go to Italy with our own expectations on how we play this game and force the outcome.
"Having played Zebre so frequently, and with three wins from three this season, the pressure is on us to deliver again. But we can't underestimate Zebre. They have always threatened us and they will be targeting this game just as much as we are.
"It's up to us now to get the job done this weekend and push up that table."
Connacht line-up v Zebre
15. Darragh Leader
14. Tiernan O'Halloran
13. Eoin Griffin
12. Dave McSharry
11. Fionn Carr
10. Dan Parks
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Jason Harris-Wright
3. Rodney Ah You
4. Michael Swift
5. Mick Kearney
6. Andrew Browne
7. Eoghan Masterson
8. John Muldoon (captain)
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. Finlay Bealham
18. JP Cooney
19. Aly Muldowney
20. George Naoupu
21. Paul O'Donohoe
22. Miah Nikora
23. Danie Poolman
Unavailable/Injured: Nathan White, Brett Wilkinson, Ronan Loughney , Sean Henry, James Rael, Craig Clarke, Jake Heenan, Willie Faloon, Eoin McKeon, Aaron Conneely, Robbie Henshaw, Craig Ronaldson, and Kyle Tonetti.
Zebre v Connacht
Sunday 23rd February 2014
At Stadio XXV Aprile, 5.30pm local time (4.30pm Ireland & UK)
Live on Mediaset
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU, 14th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Giuseppe Vivarini, Elia Rizzo (both FIR)
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