WALES ace Taulupe Faletau had declared that Sergio Parisse "is Italy" as he braces himself for another clash against the legendary number eight, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Newport Gwent Dragons back row forward has locked horns with the Azzurri's talisman five times, the first meeting coming when he made his Test debut against the Barbarians in 2011.

The number eight, from Pontypool, has never been on the losing side but hasn't always come out on top in the personal duel with Parisse, who is now 32 and one of the finest players of his generation.

Faletau, fresh from a bruising tussle with cousin Billy Vunipola, can't wait to pit himself against the Stade Francais superstar again, he said, knowing that quelling Parisse goes a long way to quelling Italy.

"We all know what he brings. He is their talisman and I look forward to going up against him again," said the 25-year-old, who will win his 57th cap.

"He brings leadership and does everything so well, everybody just follows his lead then. He pops up everywhere and is very effective – he is Italy I suppose and is very important to them."

Wales are looking to bounce back after their 25-21 loss to England that means they are playing for second place while Eddie Jones' side go for a Grand Slam.

Leading the charge will be blindside Dan Lydiate, who captains his country in a Test for the first time in the absence of injured skipper Sam Warburton.

"Everybody knows his leadership skills within the squad," said Faletau about his back row pal and former Dragons teammate.

"He has grown in that sense and can rant and rave. He gets the boys firing and does his job on the pitch as well, which is the main thing."

It will be a huge upset if Wales don't enjoy their third home win of the campaign against an Italy side who are looking to avoid a whitewash but there will be no champagne at the final whistle.

Faletau said: "Everybody wants to win the championship and we are disappointed we are not going to do that this year but we just have to finish as high as possible.

"Italy always have a solid pack and set piece. They've got dangerous wingers who can strike from anywhere, as we saw last year. It was a crazy game last year, a crazy weekend."