The Italians always led but were given a tough battle by their visitors, with the outcome only fully secured in the last 10 minutes.

Ramiro Pez slotted a fifth minute penalty to give the Azzurri the early advantage but Seremaia Bai replied for Fiji eight minutes later.

There was no further score in a tight first half, with the score 3-3 at the interval, by which time both Italys Sergio Parisse and Fijis Ifereimi Rawaqa had picked up yellow cards.

It did not take Italy long to go ahead when battle resumed.

Hooker Fabio Ongaro touched down after a rolling maul and Pez added the extra points.

Two more Pez penalties put the Italians further in charge before Mosese Luveitasaus unconverted try on the hour mark put Fiji back in contention, with the score now 16-8.

Victory was then secured when Mirco Bergamasco touched down after 69 minutes, Pez again adding the extras.

Victories against Tonga and Fiji mean Italy coach Pierre Berbizier can take heart from the November Tests, though the Frenchman was disappointed by last weeks 39-22 defeat at the hands of Argentina in Genoa.