With four wins from the previous six RBS 6 Nations meetings between the two sides few would bet against the Azzurri notching another notable scalp in Edinburgh.

Brunel's side were well worth their fantastic 23-18 victory over Les Bleus in the Stadio Olimpico, the experienced duo of Sergio Parisse and Martin Castrogiovanni both crossing for tries.

And with the memory of their first-ever away win in the Championships, secured at Murrayfield back in 2007, still not too distant a memory the Italians will be hoping to make it two from two this weekend.

Unsurprisingly Brunel has opted for a near identical team to the one that disposed of France, the only change seeing Gonzalo Canale come into the centres for the injured Alberto Sgarbi, for their trip to Murrayfield and the former Perpignan boss is hoping they can ride their current momentum to victory.

"The team has developed a lot over the last few years. We showed a good image of our rugby and our temperament," he said.

"We are not there yet (winning the tournament). Maybe in the near future if we get used to winning games like this one but winning in Edinburgh is our next challenge.

"But if we carry on like that then why not?

"We've worked on our game, and not on how France play. Of course we saw what they were capable of during the November Tests but we preferred to focus on our own strengths.

"At this level it's fundamental to win. It's what was lacking to go up another level, efficiency. I was worried the same thing would happen to us as against Australia in November. But losing twice like that, no thanks. We showed a lot of strength and courage."

Meanwhile, interim Scotland head coach Scott Johnson has a lot of pondering to do if he is to stop the rot that has seen Scotland lose their last four internationals in a row.

A 38-18 mauling from England at the weekend will have given few causes for optimism but two tries at Twickenham is a tantalizing glimpse of their attacking potential.

Johnson has made two injury-enforced changes to the team that lost to the Auld Enemy - Robert Harley comes in for Alasdair Strokosch, who will be examined by a specialist surgeon following eye socket damage at Twickenham.

A product of Douglas Academy in Milngavie and the West of Scotland club, Harley has played age-grade rugby for Scotland, being a mainstay of the Scotland under-20 team in 2009 and 2010 and has also represented Scotland A.

In Scotland's one other change, Ross Ford returns at hooker in place of Dougie Hall, who sustained a knee injury in the Calcutta Cup match.

And with three home games in a row coming up for the Scots it is flanker David Denton's belief that the signs of improvement are there for all to see.

"There's an amazing opportunity with three home games coming up in succession (Ireland follow Italy and then come Wales). That's something we get only every two years," he said.

"I know this side is capable of winning all three of these matches but if we play like we did on Saturday we won't.

"If we play to our game plan we will win these games. We have got to make a statement. There is no question that (Italy) is a must-win game to get everyone's season back on track, particularly as a Scotland team."