Timani has been a favourite of Cheika's since his starting debut last year against Argentina at Twickenham.
A lack of fitness prevented Timani from playing in the Fiji and Scotland tests but he was recalled for the Italy match in Brisbane.
The Wallabies will need his size and strength in what is set to be a mouth-watering back-row battle.
This is my second start," Lopeti said. "Against those guys, they're a good team. When I was starting last year in Auckland I was a bit nervous, but when I got into the game I was excited and pumped to play against them.
