Mallett eyes top-10 Italy ranking

Mallett is contemplating a place at rugby’s top table for Italy

RBS 6 Nations Championship
Venue: Murrayfield Date: Saturday, 19 March Kick-off: 1430 GMT
Coverage: Watch on BBC One, BBC HD channel and the BBC Sport website; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

Head coach Nick Mallett thinks Italy are close to finding their place at world rugby’s top table but insists more hard work must be done.

Italy face Scotland in the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Saturday fresh from a first win over France.

“I’m happy people enjoyed the win against France, but we can’t be arrogant,” said Mallett.

“We must keep improving, but we’re 12th in the ranking and I’m sure maybe we can reach seventh or sixth position.”

Italy, so often Six Nations whipping boys, will consign the Scots to the Wooden Spoon should they avoid defeat in Edinburgh.

But Mallett knows Italy, who lost to Ireland, England and Wales earlier in the tournament, must stay grounded despite their 22-21 defeat of Les Bleus.

“I’m sure Italy have improved a lot over the last two years and especially in the last six months,” said the South African.

Maybe it’s the first time we are not the team under the most pressure at the end of the tournament Italy captain Sergio Parisse

“We only won one game by one point one week ago and no other team conceded eight tries against England as we did. We even lost two games at home.”

Scotland, who have lost three of their last four Six Nations meetings with Italy, are seeking to avoid their first Wooden Spoon since 2007, when the Azzurri secured their solitary Six Nations away win at Murrayfield.

However, Andy Robinson’s side entered the competition with five wins in six Tests at the end of 2010.

“I think Scotland are a very, very good side and it just shows how tight this competition is,” added Mallett.

“They were the side that came in with arguably the best record.

“Five wins and one loss against a very good All Blacks side and one draw is a hell of a good record going into this competition.

“It was probably only in the Wales game they didn’t play as best they could.

“You look at the way they played against England and the way we played against England and you can’t really compare the two teams.

“England were the most relieved side to get off the field on Sunday. Scotland are a very good side.”

Italy captain Sergio Parisse believes it is the hosts who are feeling the heat ahead of Saturday’s match.

“Maybe it’s the first time we are not the team under the most pressure at the end of the tournament,” the Stade Francais number eight.

“But, knowing the Scots, I know they will never give up.

“They will play for 80 minutes and I’m certain they will play with a lot of heart.”