Mallett wants Italy to be competitive

NICK MALLETT insists Italy’s objective throughout the 2010 RBS 6 Nations is to remain competitive.

The Azzurri, who open their campaign against Ireland on Saturday week, have won only six of the 50 games they have played since joining the championship in 2000 and have finished with the wooden spoon seven times.

But, on occasion, the competition’s lowest-ranked team have proved dangerous opponents at the Stadio Flaminio, where Wales and Scotland have succumbed in the past. A lack of playing resources limits Italy’s ambition but Mallett will be satisfied if they trouble all opponents — while picking up the odd scalp.