But despite 12 points from the boot of Parks – Robinson’s side slumped to their third straight RBS 6 Nations loss, with the game’s sole try coming late on from Italy’s Pablo Canavosio.

Next up for Scotland is auld enemy England in a Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield – and Parks has called for an immediate improvement.

“We had chances in the form of scrums and line-outs on their line but we just did not convert them into tries and points,” said Parks.

“Right now the other sides in the Six Nations are taking these sorts of chances but we are not and that is the difference.

“We went to Rome expecting and believing we could win and we gave ourselves enough opportunities to make that happen.

“It is very frustrating but we have got to bounce back and move on with England next up at Murrayfield.

“We know what is at stake and we must make the most of home advantage.”