With Benvenuti having scored four tries so far in his international career Azzurri fans will be hoping Venditti can quickly catch up.

“It happened quite a lot at the junior levels actually [the pair scoring one after the other],” said Venditti.

“We’ve had a small competition going between ourselves since the Under-20s and we always seem to be level really.

“One guy scores and then the other matches him so now we joke about it a bit.”

Benvenuti added: “We scored a few tries each in our last games [at Under-20] and it became a contest.”

Venditti also had some encouraging words for fellow two cap-Azzurro, Tobias Botes – who missed two attempts at goal after replacing fly-half Kris Burton in the second half of the 19-15 defeat.

“Toby is a great player,” added the 21-year-old.

“These mistakes can happen to anyone, even to someone seriously good who is used to the international stage.

“It was his second time playing for the national team and with the pressure of kicking on his shoulders.

“It was a shame but I am sure we are going to rebuild ahead of the next game.”