Traditionally the Azzurri have propped up the table at the end of the tournament but last year that dishonour went to Wales following their humiliating defeat at the Stadio Flaminio - and the Scots could face a similar fate this weekend.

They were well beaten by Wales in their RBS 6 Nations opener before going down 35-13 to England at Murrayfield in a brave performance which did them credit despite the convincing final scoreline.

Talent is thin on the ground in Scottish rugby at the moment with Chris Paterson and Simon Taylor the only players of genuine quality and Italy coach John Kirwan will have targetted Matt Williams' men as their most likely scalp this year.

Victory over Scotland at the Stadio Flaminio will certainly not be unchartered territory for the Azzurri following their 34-20 triumph in Rome in 2000, their first ever Six Nations match.

The Scots avenged that defeat at the same venue two years later after running out 29-12 victors, but Kirwan's side has come a long way since then.

They were narrowly squeezed out at Murrayfield last year in a game they could have won and gave a good account of themselves at the World Cup, despite a grossly unfair schedule.

Defeats against England and France have left them at the foot of the RBS 6 Nations table but with the two toughest fixtures out the way, they can now focus all their efforts on avoiding the wooden spoon.