Can Nick Mallett find the Midas touch to make Italy a genuine Six Nations force?

Italy's best ever showing - two wins - last year was followed by an awful World Cup campaign, so the former South Africa boss will be aiming to win back public support.

The 50-year has a fine record as an international coach, leading the Springboks to 27 victories in 38 Tests from 1997 to 2000, including a world record 17 successive wins.

His first big decision has been to make back-rower Sergio Parisse captain, but it could be the first of many in a tough debut campaign.

606: Six Nations coaches