Hansen, who leaves his post after the game at the Millennium Stadium to return home to New Zealand, is still waiting on the fitness of Iestyn Harris.

The Cardiff player and team-mate Tom Shanklin are both vying for the inside centre jersey as Wales bid to clinch fourth place in the championship.

"There is nothing definite yet," said Hansen. "We will make a decision after training tomorrow (Friday). It will be down to how Iestyn comes through training."

Former rugby league star Harris missed last week's defeat against England at Twickenham with a knee injury with Shanklin impressing after coming in to partner Mark Taylor.

Hansen is hopeful of ending his two-year reign as Wales coach on a high with a stylish display against the Italians.

But the Kiwi, who is returning to a coaching role with the All Blacks, knows that Wales will have to win the forward battle before their backs can be given licence to run the ball.

"Italy will be a big danger to us," added Hansen. "They are very good up front and are reasonably solid behind.

"I am expecting a free-flowing game from us but only as long as we can get enough ball to do that. Our plan is to take the game to them."

Flanker Martyn Williams admits Wales are determined to atone for last year's shock defeat in Rome when they became only the second team to lose to Italy in the RBS 6 Nations.

"The defeat in Rome has been mentioned this week," said the Cardiff player. "But we learned a lot as a group in that defeat.

"There could be no excuses. They totally outplayed us on the day and showed how dangerous they can be, they are more than capable of beating anyone.

"But I think we have come a long way since then. We have beaten them in the Rugby World Cup since, but that game in the World Cup was one of the most physical we have played in the last 12 months.

"We are going into the game as favourites, but Italy have played very well in the Six Nations. It is only England who have blown them away.

"We will need to be on top of our game if we are going to beat them."