Wales slumped to a record 36-0 defeat against Ireland last weekend following a 33-0 loss at Twickenham seven days earlier.

Before their successive drubbings, Rhys Edwards’ side beat Scotland 20-0 at Pandy Park and will be looking to get back to winning ways when they follow the men’s match in Cardiff in the first women’s international to be staged at the stadium.

Italy have yet to register a win this season but have beaten Wales twice in the last two years and Evans, part of the team that lost in Bridgend in 2010, believes they should not be underestimated.

“Wales cannot afford to take the Italians lightly,” Evans told BBC Wales’ Sport. “They are very much similar to their male counterparts.

“Their game is built on a forward platform, especially the driving maul, and a big kicking game from their outside-half.

“I have spoken to a few of the players and they are really up for this clash. It's going to be a big moment in the girls' rugby careers. I just told them to make the most of the opportunity of playing at the Millennium Stadium and enjoy every minute.

“Hopefully better preparation and a more positive mindset will see Wales return to some of the form they showed against Scotland.”