The tournament is two matches old but both teams have tasted only defeat - the Azzurri prop up the championship table on points difference alone - and the outcome of their showdown is difficult to predict.

Scotland will be desperate to avoid a repeat of their first Six Nations trip to Rome in 2000 when they were beaten 34-20, a result which gave Italy the perfect start to life among Europes rugby heavyweights.

That defeat was avenged two years ago at the Stadio Flaminio but the Scots are sailing perilously close to suffering further humiliation against a side which has targeted this match as their most likely source of victory.

Much will depend on the forward exchanges and it is in this area where Italy have traditionally been strong, largely thanks to some eye-catching performances from their back row.

England boss Sir Clive Woodward recently described a trip to the Eternal City as the second most physically-demanding outing in the championship with only a clash against the French providing a more brutal afternoon.

And Williams - who has been impressed by the Italians progress in recent years - is in full agreement, admitting their desire to mix it up will provide his side with a thorough examination.

Their brand of rugby has a very strong French influence. They are similar to France in that they love confrontation and that shows in the way they attack, defend, ruck and maul, he said.

Its going to be intense and we must match that. Their rugby has moved forward in small steps and they are definitely improving every year.

Its hard for small countries to make strides in the Six Nations because its such a tough tournament, but Italy have stuck with it. They have already played well in this tournament against England and France.