Italy Looking To Make An Impact At The Twelfth Time Of Asking

Following the expansion of the Five Nations in 2000 to include Italy, the Azzuri have spent the majority of those tournaments propping up the rest of the table, finishing bottom of the pile eight times. But the recent strong performances from both Treviso and Aironi following their inclusion in the Magner's League have given many people cause to believe that all that might change this time round.

Both sides were initially expected to be the league's whipping boys, but Treviso have managed to produce four wins from their nine fixtures so far, including an incredible victory over last year's runners-up Leinster, while Aironi have been far more competitive than their twelfth place standing and two points would suggest. Anyone who follows rugby union betting tips should keep an eye on the sides' progress as they could provide an indication as to how well the national team will do.

Former Italy scrum-half Paul Griffen believes the tide could well be changing.

“There is definite reason for optimism from Italian fans, especially with the way Treviso have started the season," he said.

"There's Tommaso Benvenuti, who is currently starting on the wing, but he looks a quality centre. I'm backing him to go a long way. Nick (Mallett, Italy coach) has got a good core and a good group of leaders and he's also got Sergio and Castro who are two of the best in the world in their positions."

This could well be bad news for Wales and Scotland, the only other sides to have picked up the wooden spoon since the Six Nations was conceived. They would normally consider a match against the Italians as close to a guaranteed win as you can get at this level, but the signs are that all this may be about to change and the rugby odds reflect this.

Although Italy look to be in a really tricky situation with their World Cup group, the Six Nations could be a far more realistic opportunity to make an impact. With his current crop of players, Mallet will be looking to improve on their dismal record - Italy have only on seven of their fifty-five Six Nations fixtures.