The Azzurri impressed in their opening match against Ireland before losing 28-17 but found the going much tougher in their second outing on Saturday, where they were swept aside 38-8 by Wales.

That has left Italy with a mountain to climb if they are to avoid being saddled with the wooden spoon, but Kirwan has no intention of making drastic changes for the three remaining matches against Scotland, England and France.

I believe we played well in the first half (on Saturday), giving very little to the Welsh team, Kirwan said. But in the second half the Welsh got away easily, helped by our mistakes.

But I'm still very confident of my team, I still believe in my players 100% and we will go to Scotland to win the game.

Italys next match is against the Scots at Murrayfield on February 26 and, on paper, represents the Azzurris best hope of picking up a victory in the tournament.

We have time to prepare for this game and hopefully recharge our batteries, the former New Zealand international added.

I believe the Welsh are a great team, who are well organised with powerful backs. They never give up and while in wonderful form will be very hard to beat. But also our display against the Irish was great and if we can repeat this a win can be achieved.

The Italy coach also had a word of warning to anybody writing off reigning world champions England, who, like Italy, have started their campaign with back-to-back defeats.

He said: I think the English are still a strong team and not in decline. They lost by two points in Cardiff and by just one against the French, I'm sure they will be back to their best soon.