The decision was taken during a meeting between coach Kirwan and Italian team manager Marco Bollesan.

Bollesan admitted that Italys three-quarters positions had been problematic during the recent RBS 6 Nations campaign and that he and Kirwan agreed action was necessary.

I think the last Six Nations has been good again for us. The fact we didnt get the wooden spoon means we achieved our main target, said Bollesan.

But Ive just had a meeting with John (Kirwan) and our priority is to find a three-quarter coach. Hopefully we will do this as soon as possible.

I believe this is where our weakness lies and where we must develop the next group of players.

The next Six Nations will be crucial for us because we have three games at home and we want to get as many points as possible, never mind which team were playing.

Italy finished second-bottom of the RBS 6 Nations championship this year, with two points won in a 20-14 home victory over Scotland.

The Scots, who lost all five of their matches, finished bottom of the table.