Pierre Berbiziers men will be desperate to build on their first ever away win in the competition - achieved a fortnight ago at Murrayfield - when Gareth Jenkins winless Wales visit the Stadio Flaminio this weekend.

But Checchinato, pictured above playing for Italy in the 2003 World Cup, is not taking anything for granted.

He said: 'I believe the game against Wales will be for us the hardest of the entire tournament.

'Our opponents are still without a victory in this years Six Nations, so they are still chasing the first victory.

'They haven't played at their best yet, although I saw a great improvement against France in the last round.'

The Welsh went down 32-21 in Paris but could be consoled at least by having put in by far their most impressive display of the tournament following earlier defeats to Ireland and Scotland.

Checchinato added: 'There is so much experience in their ranks and in the hardest moments they are capable of going out and playing one the finest rugby games of the entire tournament.

'In our case, we must show humility and continue to work how we did in the three previous games, showing on the field our maturity and the desire to continue to improve ourselves.

'The final result will be depend on our attitude approaching the game, and also we need to find the necessary capacity and concentration to contest a great game and hopefully in the end be capable of bringing more joy to our fans.'