Parisse hunting elusive win

Wooden Favourites: Parisse sees Italy potential

Italy captain Sergio Parisse has urged his side to start believing in themselves as they look to end the Six Nations Championship on a high note with victory over Scotland on Saturday.

The Azzurri slipped to their fourth successive defeat in this year's tournament when they lost 25-13 to France on Sunday.

However, their performance was much improved from the 47-8 defeat to Wales a fortnight ago, and they were the equals of Les Bleus for long periods in Paris.

Italy need to beat the Scots by at least five points in Rome next weekend to avoid picking up another wooden spoon in the competition.

And Parisse is sure he can secure his first win as skipper if his team rediscovers some self-confidence at the Stadio Flaminio.

"Italy are an improving team," said the Stade Français number-eight.

"We missed a few chances against France and we need to work on our mental state as we head into our last match.

"But we are working on that mental side. It has improved after the Wales defeat. We are not happy to have lost against France and we didn't make the most of the chances we had.

"But there is still a lot of enthusiasm in this Italy team."

As expected, Italy matched the French up front but the hosts had the strength in the backs to make the difference.

It came as no surprise to see the Azzurri's try come from a forward, with Leicester Tigers prop Martin Castrogiovanni crashing over for a second-half score.

Head coach Nick Mallett was particularly happy to see his side's kicking game improve and believes his players can be delighted with their efforts at the Stade de France.

"I have seen the game against Wales and our kicking was terrible," said the South African.

"That wasn't the case against France. From some of them, our forwards won six or seven line-outs on the French throw.

"We are working hard in this area and although (Andrea) Marcato had a few poor kicks in general play, that can happen to anyone in any top team.

"I don't want to be too critical of my players. We played a good team here.

"We had a few problems and we made some individual errors in defence. But for me, it was our best match since I became coach of Italy."