Italy's recent game against Ireland, which was a bad-tempered affair and resulted in several sin-binningsdid nothing to improve their reputation.
In fact, the reverse was true and Italy, under coach Brad Johnstone, have become known for their ability to stop other sides playing by consistently being off-side and illegally stopping opponents winning the ball.
Tempers are bound to get frayed when teams like England are confronted by this type of attitude and they will be dependent on Sunday's referee Mark Lawrence taking a firm grip on the game. Yet this is Lawrence's first Six Nations international and the South African will need to know exactly where the sin bin is and how to use it if this game is to have any continuity.
Italy will be aware of this fact and would be foolish not to exploit Lawrence's lack of experience in this department, a dangerous game to play but with a team like England in your own backyard and another disappointing season almost over they will be willing to try everything to stop their opponents.
Discipline must be the key for England as the last thing they need is one or two forwards taking the law into their own hands and being dismissed.
As usual in these situations, England are on a hiding to nothing! They are expected to win and win well. Rome was supposed to be the final leg of a grand slam which has now disappeared and all that is left for them is the opportunity to show they can be ruthless when the big prize is no longer on offer, a true sign of professionalism.
For Italy, their chance will come again next season, as it is unlikely they will be asked to leave the party. After all, when France first came into the Five Nations Championship in 1910 they lost all four games and now look at them.
