RBS 6 Nations

But Gatland hopes he will return from the Eternal City with a selection headache ahead of next week's potential RBS 6 Nations title decider against Ireland in Cardiff.

Only full-back Lee Byrne, wing Shane Williams, centre Jamie Roberts, lock Alun-Wyn Jones and number eight Andy Powell originally retained their places following a 21-16 loss to France last time out.

Scrum-half Dwayne Peel's hamstring injury though, has meant a recall for Ospreys number nine Mike Phillips, while 23-year-old London Irish rookie Warren Fury will provide bench cover.

The Stadio Flaminio clash is a chance for several Wales players to put their hands up after waiting patiently for a chance this season.

The list includes fly-half James Hook, props John Yapp and Rhys Thomas, lock Luke Charteris, plus flankers Jonathan Thomas and Dafydd Jones for a game Wales must not only win, but win with plenty to spare.

Their points difference is currently inferior by 23 to Ireland's, so a repeat of a 38-8 victory over Italy en route to the 2005 Six Nations title and Grand Slam would help Wales considerably.

Italy won 23-30 when the sides last met in Rome two years ago, but only France have toppled Wales in RBS 6 Nations combat since then, which means the odds are stacked against the Azzurri.

Coach Nick Mallett has watched Italy under-perform in losing successive encounters to England, Ireland and Scotland, conceding 100 points and 12 tries in the process.

But with warm weather forecast - and a firm pitch guaranteed - Italy will have their work cut out preventing a Welsh back division boosted by the presence of Gavin Henson from cutting loose.