Ricky Andrew's introduction at fullback is one of six changed to the Ulster side that beat Edinburgh 41-17 ahead of Saturday's meeting with Zebre in Parma.
The Ulster academy graduate from Ballymena will replace Craig Gilroy at fullback, as the Ireland back moves to the wing and Michael Allen makes drops to the bench.
Outhalf James McKinney also makes way for the return of Ireland's Paddy Jackson in the only other change to the backline.
Up front, the secondrow will be manned by Neil McComb and Dan Tuohy, in the absence of Lewis Stevenson (medial ligament) and Iain Henderson (hamstring), while the frontrow Tom Court is selected at loosehead ahead of Callum Black.
In the backrow, Mike McComish is preferred to Seán Doyle at openside flanker.
Ulster (v Zebre): R Andrew, A Trimble, D Cave, L Marshall, C Gilroy, P Jackson, P Marshall; (1-8): T Court, R Herring, J Afoa, N McComb, D Tuohy, R Diack (Captain), M McComish, R Wilson.
Replacements (16-23): N Annett, C Black, D Fitzpatrick, C Joyce, S Doyle, M Heaney, J McKinney, M Allen.
