Dragons team for Aironi trip

Luke Charteris returns to captain the side, joining Rob Sidoli in the second row. The effective back row unit of Lewis Evans, Joe Bearman and Andrew Coombs all keep their places, with hooker Lloyd Burns coming in for squad captain Tom Willis. Phil Price and Dan Way, who have both impressed in recent weeks, complete the front row. Ben Castle, Hugh Gustafson and Steve Jones provide front row cover, with Hugo Ellis and Scott Morgan also on the bench.

Martyn Thomas returns at full back, with Will Harries moving to the wing and Adam Hughes dropping to the bench. Pat Leach and Tom Riley start in the centre, with Ashley Smith and Matthew Watkins nursing minor injuries from last weekend's victory over Edinburgh. Aled Brew starts on the wing, whilst the half back partnership of Jason Tovey and Wayne Evans continue. Mike Petri and Mathew Jones complete the substitutes.

The Dragons defeated the Italians 36-5 in the first fixture between the sides at Rodney Parade earlier this season.

NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS SQUAD FOR AIRONI

Martyn Thomas, Will Harries, Tom Riley, Pat Leach, Aled Brew, Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans; Phil Price, Lloyd Burns, Dan Way, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Lewis Evans, Joe Bearman, Andrew Coombs.

Replacements: Steve Jones, Hugh Gustafson, Ben Castle, Scott Morgan, Hugo Ellis, Mike Petri, Mathew Jones, Adam Hughes.