Italy slumped to their third successive defeat on Saturday when they lost 18-10 to Scotland at Murrayfield, a result that left them propping up the table.

Of the other nations, only England have failed to pick up a victory so far and they host Italy at Twickenham in the next round of matches in two weeks time.

Andy Robinsons team are in transition and although they are a pale imitation of Sir Clive Woodwards World Cup-winning outfit, Dondi admits it will take something special for Italy to get anything out of that match.

Italys final match then sees them host France at the Stadio Flaminio, which in Dondis eyes is an equally difficult prospect for John Kirwans troops.

Looking ahead to the matches against Europes big guns, the FIR president said: Now we have to be at our best - and even better.

We have to play our best games against two very good sides like the English and French. We have to honour the Azzurri shirt with pride and determination, starting in two weeks at Twickenham.

Dondi was disappointed his side failed to secure their first win of the tournament as they slumped to defeat against the Scots.

I saw two different games on Saturday at Murrayfield, he said. The first half we played better than the Scots, with 60% ball possession and we pushed then back for most of the time.

In the second we looked confused and without determination, making numerous mistakes. I was a bit disappointed about the mistakes we made with the kicks.

I believe we wasted at least three easy penalty kicks and one unbelievable drop goal, and in rugby you can't miss all that stuff. In the end we paid for it.