On paper Wales are overwhelming favourites at the Millennium Stadium - where they have never lost to Italy - having secured the Triple Crown in their 19-12 RBS 6 Nations win against England.

The Azzurri in contrast have lost their first three games leading some to look ahead towards the final match against France.

But Gatland has seen enough of the Azzurri to be convinced they will be no pushovers at the Millennium Stadium and fully expects the game still to be in the balance at the break.

He said: "I think all the games Italy have played in the Six Nations this season they have been in the games at half-time.

"They should have won against England, and for us it is just about saying that if it's close at half-time not to panic.

"It is a game of 80 minutes, and things might happen for us in the second half. We've prepared this week for that first 20 or 30 minutes being a war of attrition up front. We need to be accurate, but also potentially match the physicality they are going to come at us with.

"I think we have picked a really strong side to face Italy. We have a great work ethic in the squad, and I can't emphasise enough how professional these players are in terms of the way they prepare and the extras they do afterwards.

"I think they are a real credit to Wales and to Welsh rugby. It's a good place for the coaches to be in, and for the players to be part of a confident squad that is working really hard together."

Wales' preparations certainly are not helped by the fact captain Sam Warburton will miss his second game of the 2012 RBS 6 Nations with a thigh strain.

Justin Tipuric replaces him in the No 7 shirt while Gethin Jenkins takes over as skipper but there is better news elsewhere as Matthew Rees returns to the starting XV along with James Hook and lock Luke Charteris on the replacements bench.

Italy meanwhile make seven changes with new half-backs in Kris Burton and Fabio Semenzato with experienced duo Gonzalo Canale and Mirco Bergamasco also added to the backline.

In the tight five, Cornelius van Zyl, Simone Favaro and Andrea Lo Cicero all start while Marco Bortolami drops to the bench.

And just as Gatland expects the first 20 minutes to be decisive, so Bortolami admits weathering the early periods will be crucial to Italy's hopes.

He said: "I'm sure they are thinking and get the job done in the first half and chill out for the last game.

"But I know their coach will put a lot of emphasis on this game because they cannot afford to lose.

"It will be a very tough first 20 minutes, they will come out, try to score as many tries as they can and play from every single area on the pitch and put us under pressure.

"Definitely they are the favourites but we are going to Cardiff hoping to make a big impression and after a poor performance against Ireland and we have to step up again."

"We are very confident but we also know it is going to be a very tough game for us playing Wales in Cardiff."