Mark Jones says Italy live on the edge at the breakdown

Wales lost 23-20 in Rome last season and drew 18-18 in Cardiff in 2006, results that are weighing heavily on Warren Gatland's charges.

Jones said: "In the recent past we've probably been a little bit soft in our defence and given Italy some points.

"We're unhappy about that and certainly not hoping for a repeat this time."

Jones says the Azzurri push the laws to the limit in their dogged attitude to the contact area, and that approach allied to their set-piece ability makes Nick Mallet's side formidable opponents.

They live life on the edge, I suppose, and historically Wales' game has depended on the speed of the ball at the contact area Mark Jones

"Italy are very good in the contact area and really put pressure on you there and on the officials too," said 28-year-old Jones.

"They live life on the edge, I suppose, and historically Wales' game has depended on the speed of the ball at the contact area and Italy dominate that very well.

"If you tie that in with a very good set-piece, which they have had over a number of years and it appears it's still with them this year, then you've got a very difficult team to play against."

Jones returns to the starting line-up on Saturday after being dropped him for the 30-15 victory against Scotland.

Gatland cited defensive lapses in Wales' opening 26-19 win against England at Twickenham for Jones's omission.

606: DEBATE Can Wales toughen up in defence against Italy?

"I was hugely disappointed to be left out for the Scotland game, but as soon as I had the news I got my head down and worked hard to try to get back in the team as soon as possible," said the Llanelli Scarlet.

"We are working a new defensive system. I've been playing a particular system for eight or nine years and it's been a huge change for my role within that.

"I had to adapt quickly and unfortunately wasn't able to do it to a high enough standard in the England game.

"Hopefully after a bit more time with them, perhaps the coaches are a bit more confident that I'm a bit more familiar with the system and can hopefully execute my role within it a little bit better.

"I'm going to be putting more pressure on in the defensive line. I don't want to go into too much detail, but my positioning will be different to what it would be in a different system.

"I'll be lying much flatter than before and leave the full-back to cover more space and be confident in his ability to do that.