Italy have yet to win on their travels in the competition but of the three victories they have recorded at home since their inauguration into the tournament in 2000, two have come against the Scots.

Like Italy, Scotland have suffered two consecutive defeats so far in this years Six Nations and Saturdays clash at Murrayfield is looking increasingly likely to decide which of the two nations ends up with the wooden spoon.

Cecchinato is hopeful Italy can avoid that ignominy and knows the team need to be on their game mentally to achieve a victory.

We have lots of respect for the Scottish but we believe in our players very much and I'm sure who goes onto the pitch will give everything they can to give Italy a proud day on Saturday, Cecchinato said.

I believe our worst enemy could be ourselves and nothing else, he added. I'm sure if we beat our inner ghosts, we can beat anyone.

Although he cannot predict how good Italys mental application will be on the day of the game, Cecchinato is happy with the way the team have been building up to the clash.

It has been raining all week here in Rome, but all the boys have been concentrating on giving their best and I'm sure if we make less mistakes (against Scotland), we can return to Rome with a positive result.