Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has handed a start to fly-half Ian Keatley for his side's Six Nations match with Italy.

Both Keatley and Ian Madigan were in contention to replace Jonathan Sexton, but Schmidt has opted to select the Munster player for the trip to Rome.

Sean O'Brien, who has only recently returned from shoulder reconstruction surgery, also features in the 15-man lineup.

Simon Zebo keeps his place on the left flank, despite the return to fitness of a trio of other candidates for the role.

Ireland team to face Italy:

R.Kearney; T.Bowe, J.Payne, R.Henshaw, S.Zebo; I.Keatley, C.Murray; J.McGrath, R.Best, M.Ross; D.Toner, P.O'Connell; P.O'Mahony, S.O'Brien, J.Murphy

Replacements:

S.Cronin, J.Cronin, M.Moore, I.Henderson, T.O'Donnell, I.Boss, I.Madigan, F.Jones