Painful memories shrouded Wales last trip to Rome when a shambolic display led to a humiliating 30-22 defeat, handing the Italians only their second RBS 6 Nations victory.

Mike Ruddocks men are a much improved team since then and last weekends 11-9 triumph has elevated them to the status of genuine title contenders.

But Italy have also improved significantly and Kirwan believes they are ready to go one better than the hugely encouraging 28-17 loss inflicted by Ireland last Sunday.

This Italy side is very complete - weve had a World Cup and two Six Nations together.

We have the team to beat Wales, but we must show maturity, he said.

Our first challenge is to go into the match with the same mental attitude we had against Ireland. We must also make the right decisions at critical moments.

Doing that successfully is all about maturity - were good enough to win, we just have to show the composure to put that little bit of icing on the cake.

We should have beaten Ireland but we didnt take the points at the right time. We played well but its never a great game when you lose.

Wales suffered narrow defeats by New Zealand and South Africa during the November internationals and Kirwan believes those results have taught them a valuable lesson.

He said: Wales were fantastic against England and they should be proud of themselves. They were outstanding when they were under pressure.

They probably didnt play the type of game they wanted to because the English defence was so strong. But they managed to show maturity and get away with the win.

I think theyve learned from the one-point defeat by New Zealand in November and they have a shout at winning the Six Nations. We must put a dent in their ambitions.