Staibano, a key member of Parmas Coppa Italia success, has been handed the chance to impress at national team level following the injury to Viadanas Gloucester-bound prop Carlos Nieto.

Nieto damaged knee ligaments in the 18-18 draw against Wales in Cardiff, the Azzurri's first point away from home in tournament history.

It is sad to see Carlos Nieto out due to injury, but I am happy to have a chance to join the Italian senior team, Staibano said.

It is my first time in the national team.

I was selected for the summer Test in Treviso but I missed it due to injury.

I feel ready to play for the national team, and also ready to go and play abroad if the opportunity presents itself.

I heard that maybe I will play against Scotland. I don't know if it will happen, but if I am selected it will be a pleasure, for sure.

Meanwhile, Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) president Giancarlo Dondi has warned the national side will move away from the Stadio Flaminio in Rome unless the stadium is upgraded.

Dondi issued the threat after a crunch meeting with Rome council officials to discuss a re-vamp of the Flaminio ground.

The Eternal City venue is by far the smallest in the RBS 6 Nations Championship with a capacity of 24,593 but even when it sells out, it is not uncommon for away fans to outnumber home supporters.

Dondi said: I hope we sort the problems out or the RBS 6 Nations will move away from Rome.

We need a gym under the covered stand, a new changing room, a new press box and a conference room.

Dondi also demanded the capacity of the ground is increased to around 40,000.

If the Flaminio was that big, I'm sure we would sell out for the match against Scotland on Saturday, said Dondi.

Previously, the federation has studied the possibility of relocating to the northern port city of Genoa, where November Test matches have attracted big crowds.