A thrilling comeback against Scotland was completed in their 31-24 win but their second-half fireworks were not enough to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against England and France.

Ireland meanwhile showed no mercy in their crushing 27-12 defeat to leave Wales one defeat away from a possible wooden spoon.

Gatland has responded by recalling experienced big-hitters Ryan Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips after injury while 18-year-old wing Tom Prydie is set to become the youngest ever player to pull on the famous red jersey.

At 18 years and 25 days, the Ospreys wing will break a 112-year record set by Norman Biggs in 1888.

And Gatland is adamant it is time for all his side, young and old, to stand up and be counted.

"We are hurting from last week, and it means a hell of a lot for coaches and players to represent Wales.

"We have been letting ourselves down and we need to take that responsibility and go out there and give a performance that shows people what it means. To me, that's really important.

"It's important we are honest about where we are at the moment. We are in a results-orientated business and people are under pressure for their jobs and their futures.

"We have to be aware of that and make people understand that, and that is why we will be going out against Italy and showing people what it means to put that jersey on, play at home and deliver a performance.

"Personally, I don't know any other way to respond to a challenge. I can't stand losing, and I want to show them what it means - not just the players - but the other staff involved and the whole set-up."

Ryan Jones regains the armband for Wales and joins Sam Warburton in the backrow with 95-cap veteran Martyn Williams and Gloucester No.8 Gareth Delve giving way.

Phillips return means fly-half Stephen Jones will have his fourth scrum-half partner of the championship after Richie Rees, Dwayne Peel and Gareth Cooper.

Italy have a history of success over the Welsh in the RBS 6 Nations - recording two of their six wins in the competition against Wales.

Nick Mallett's men - perennial whipping boys in previous years - have proved their mettle in 2009 by beating Scotland and putting up a stubborn resistance against England both at the Stadio Flaminio.

Victory insist the Millennium Stadium cauldron will be a different ask altogether and fly-half Craig Gower has warned his team mates not to underestimate struggling Wales.

He said: "They will come out firing and it will be a big challenge for us. We have to do the basics right and see what comes. We are using the ball more than we used to.

"Ireland was a disappointing game for us in terms of moving the ball but we improved against England and Scotland and will be looking to create opportunities."

Coach Nick Mallet has had his hand forced by injuries with lock Carlo Del Fava, flanker Paul Derbyshire and centre Andrea Masi all failing fitness tests.

Marco Bortolami, Josh Sole and Gonzalo Canale take their places in the starting XV while Pablo Canavosio starts at scrum-half after scoring two tries off the replacements' bench and winger Kaine Robertson is also given a chance to shine on the wing.