After last seasons whitewash in the tournament, Matt Williams men have lost their first two games this year, to France and Ireland, with the defeat against the Irish coming in a particularly disappointing display in Edinburgh.

And Paterson insists a meeting with the Italians, once a relative formality, will not be any easier for the beleaguered Scottish players.

He said: We dont feel under any extra pressure to beat the Italians because it might be expected, not at all.

Two or three years ago, Italy coming to Murrayfield was a game that you felt you really had to win but, with their performances, increasing ability and the results theyve had recently and in this championship, by no means are we expected to go out and walk over them.

Who knows, maybe well be the underdogs for the first time but thats the view that we have to take and we have to focus on beating them and hopefully get our confidence back.

Confidence is a fragile thing and it obviously isnt sky high, you get that in any professional sports side when youre not winning.

What we have to have is the belief that we can win which is undoubtedly there and the desire is massive.''