Winless Italy need to triumph by five points or more to move ahead of the Scots, who recorded their only triumph in this season’s competition against England in the Calcutta Cup on Saturday, and hand Frank Hadden’s side the unwanted tag.

Scotland have scored just one try in the championship so far and have relied heavily on the boot of Chris Paterson.

He scored all of his side's points when Scotland edged the Azzurri 18-16 to snatch Pool C qualification at the World Cup in September, the last meeting between the nations.

Injuries have forced Hadden to make three changes to his side. Simon Danielli returns to the wing in place of Rory Lamont, who suffered a triple cheekbone fracture against England at Murrayfield, and Fergus Thomson comes in for Ross Ford (ankle) at hooker in the original line-up. Wing Nikki Walker was ruled out on Thursday after his right ankle flared up again and Dan Parks will start at stand-off with Paterson on the wing.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has made no changes to his side despite seeing them lose 25-13 to France in Paris on Sunday.

Cammi Calvisano's Alessandro Zanni will once again deputise for Mauro Bergamasco, who is unavailable through suspension.

Italy have a reasonable recent Six Nations record against Scotland having beaten them at home in 2000 and 2004 and won 37-17 in Edinburgh last season.