Despite gaining credit for their much-improved performances during this year's tournament, Italy's battling defeats to Ireland, England and France have left them bottom of the table, two points behind their opponents this weekend.

The Azzurri have never won an RBS 6 Nations match away from home but Bollesan feels this record needs to come to an end at Cardiffs Millennium Stadium if they are climb off the foot of the standings.

We need to get a victory at the Millennium Stadium if we want to avoid the wooden spoon, Bollesan said. I know it will be very hard, but it is vital for us to get the two points.

The Welsh will do everything to beat us in front of their own fans. After their defeat in Ireland, they will want to put out their best team against us.

They want a victory which would lead them to avoid the wooden spoon in the last round.

Although he appreciates the size of the task, Bollesan is confident his young squad can upset the odds and defeat the reigning RBS 6 Nations champions, who have only picked up one win in this years tournament to date.

We have a week to train at our best, he said. We have a good team who are young but really determined to play at their best.

We are going with our best intentions to win this game.