The Azzurri are still basking in the euphoria of their 37-17 win over Scotland in Edinburgh - their first away win in the competition - while Wales are still looking for their first win in this season's tournament.

Victory over Wales at the Stadio Flaminio would ensure the most successful campaign yet for Italy since they joined the erstwhile Five Nations in 2000.

It is perhaps surprising, then, that Berbizier has made three changes to the starting line-up.

Ramiro Pez is preferred at fly-half to Andrea Scanavacca, while the enforced changes see winger Matteo Pratichetti replace Andrea Masi and Carlos Nieto come in for prop Martin Castrogiovanni.

Team manager Marco Bollesan feels Italy have an excellent opportunity to make history against Gareth Jenkins' Wales team.

I believe this Saturday we have a great chance in front of us, the Italian consultant said. If we beat them (Wales) we can write a bit history in the rugby record books.

Certainly the Welsh are coming here with a different idea. But the chance is great and also, we are playing at home in front of our own fans.

Despite his optimism though, Bollesan warned that victory was not a foregone conclusion and noted that everything had to gel in order to achieve success.

If we mix all our best ingredients like concentration, determination and luck, just as we did at Murrayfield, I am sure we can get the two points we want. Then we can dream about the last game against the Irish, he added.