Buoyant Italy seek another milestone against Wales

Italy flyhalf Andrea Scanavacca has said last weekend's historic win over Scotland has given his side a huge confidence boost as they prepare to face Wales in Rome on March 10.

"Now we know we are capable of competing with the better teams in the competition," Scanavacca was quoted as saying in La Gazzetta dello Sport yesterday.

The Azzurri's 37-17 victory at Murrayfield - their first-ever away win in the competition - has raised hopes they can also beat Wales at the Stadio Flaminio.

The Welsh have lost all three of their games in this year's competition.

A second win for Italy would represent an important milestone as they have never won more than one match in any of their previous seven appearances in the Six Nations.

Their chances have been hit, however, by the number of injuries they suffered at Murrayfield.

Pierre Berbizier's 24-man squad for the game against Wales is missing several first-team regulars.

Centre Andrea Masi fractured his cheekbone and will be replaced by Ezio Galon, while winger Denis Dallan is still recovering from an ankle injury last month.

Berbizier has also lost two forwards. Prop Martin Castrogiovanni is expected to miss the rest of the Six Nations after injuring his knee against Scotland. Fabio Staibano, who has never appeared in the competition, has been called up to replace him.

Hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini replaces Fabio Ongaro, who is out with a neck injury but could recover in time for Italy's final match against Ireland on March 17.