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SIX NATIONS RECORD (2000-08): 6 (Wooden Spoon), 6 (WS), 6 (WS), 5, 5, 6 (WS), 6 (WS), 4, 6 (WS).
Only six wins (four against Scotland, two against Wales, plus a draw) in eight years. Beating both in 2007 was the highlight.

COACH: Nick Mallett. The Hertfordshire-born, Oxford-educated, former South Africa coach, who led the Springboks to a world record-equalling 17 straight Test wins, may enjoy the Rome lifestyle but has his hands full trying to make Italy a Six Nations force, with the lack of depth at his disposal.

CAPTAIN: Sergio Parisse. Argentina-born back-row of the highest class, good enough to be considered for a World XV. A free-running, hard-tackling number eight, he also skippers Parisian fancy-dans Stade Francais. Girlfriend is a former Miss France and Miss Europe, Alexandra Rosenfeld.

RISING STAR: Andrea Marcato. Kicked last-minute winning drop-goal against Scotland in final game last year. Started Test career at full-back, but now deployed in the fly-half role that has caused Italy problems since the retirement of Diego Dominguez.

X-FACTOR MATERIAL: With their flowing locks and dashing style, the Bergamasco brothers, flanker Mauro and centre Mirco, could surely perform a sibling duet. Like Parisse, they play for the cosmopolitan Parisian collective Stade Francais, so an operatic version of Pretty in Pink?

PROSPECTS: The near-disappearance of the maul under the new law variations has deprived Italy of a major weapon, but their pack remains a force. Should be competitive at Twickenham and Murrayfield, and three home games give them a decent chance of an upset or two.

ODDS: 100/1