Italy isn't resigned to defeat by Six Nations champions Wales here on Saturday, coach Nick Mallett said Friday.
''My men don't go onto the field thinking they've already lost,'' he said, denying reported despondency in the camp.
But Mallett acknowledged that beating Wales would be a tough task even in light of the massive turnover Wales coach Warren Gatland has made in view of a probable title showdown against Ireland in a week's time.
''It will be hard to win if Wales plays to its full potential. That's not an excuse, it's just being realistic''.
Asked whether he might have to reconsider his position if Italy go down to a fourth heavy defeat after being outclassed by England, Ireland and Scotland, the South African-born coach replied: ''I am here, I have a contract and I'm continuing to work to make the squad grow''.
Captain Sergio Parisse was upbeat ahead of Saturday's match at the Stadio Flaminio (15:00 GMT).
Italy was booed by the Flaminio faithful for the first time ever after the Ireland defeat.
''Anyone who wants to boo tomorrow should go and see another sport,'' Parisse said.
Asked whether Gatland's selection of an apparently second-string 15 showed a lack of respect for the Azzurri, Parisse replied: ''OK, Wales are making this turnover, but we're a team you have to respect right up to the end''.
''Many of us want to prove ourselves and that's the great thing about sport, it always gives you another chance''.
