Centre Hannah Jones returns to captain the side after missing the last three games and partners Kerin Lake in midfield.
Jasmine Joyce, the three-time GB Olympian, moves to full back with Carys Cox switched to wing with Nel Metcalfe on the other wing.
Scrum half Keira Bevan and fly half Lleucu George stay are selected at half-back.
The Welsh pack selected against Australia is given a vote of confidence and will line up against Italy.
Prop Sisilia Tuipulotu, who arrived in Cape Town on Sunday, is selected on the bench.
Four Wales U20s are selected on the Wales bench – hooker Molly Reardon, lock Alaw Pyrs, prop Maisie Davies and scrum half Sian Jones.
Ioan Cunningham, Wales Head coach, said: “We have reviewed the performance against Australia and know the areas we need to tighten up on against Italy. We created opportunities against the Wallaroos and need to be more clinical and turn those chances into points.
“This is a short turnaround, and we have had to deal with disruptions and withdrawals, but we are focussed on producing a performance against Italy.
“We have emphasised the physical intensity we need to bring to every performance for the whole 80 minutes and how important that is when you wear the red jersey.
“Italy will be hurting after their defeat to Scotland, like we are after the opening game against Australia, and both teams will feel they have a point to prove on Friday afternoon.
“We have won our last two games against Italy in the Six Nations, but this is a different tournament and WXV2 is proving a real competitive benchmark for all the teams.
“We welcome Hannah Jones back as captain and she is desperate to play after having to watch from the stands. Sisilia is now with us and selected on the bench and we know she will want to make an impact after missing her first game for her country.”
Wales team to face Italy
Jasmine Joyce, Carys Cox, Hannah Jones (captain), Kerin Lake, Nel Metcalfe, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Georgia Evans, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis.
Replacements
Molly Reardon, Maisie Davies, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Alaw Pyrs, Kate Williams, Sian Jones, Kayleigh Powell, Courtney Keight
Remaining games for Wales Women
- Wales v Italy, Athlone Stadium, Cape Town (KO: 3pm UK), Friday, October 4th
- Wales v Japan, Athlone Stadium, Cape Town (KO: 3pm UK), Friday, October 11th
