Benvenuti calls for Azzurri focus

Italy winger Tommaso Benvenuti believes his team must not get carried away by the euphoria surrounding their historic win over France as they prepare for their final RBS 6 Nations match of the year against Scotland on Saturday.

The Azzurri go into the game at Murrayfield inspired by last weekend’s 22-21 victory over France in Rome, Italy’s first triumph against Les Bleus after 11 failed attempts in the tournament.

Moreover, it was also Italy’s only success in the Six Nations so far this year, with their previous win coming in February 2010 when they edged past Scotland.

“It took us three or four hours for the win against France to finally sink in,” Benvenuti said.

“It was a great achievement and we felt overwhelmed with emotion.

“We finally took a big weight off our shoulders by claiming a victory in the tournament.

“But now we must remain humble, fly low and continue to train with the same focus as before.

“If we continue in this path, results will arrive.”

Benvenuti, who plays club rugby at Treviso, knows his team face a stern test against winless Scotland in what is a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

The Scots pushed England close at Twickenham last time out before falling 22-16.

“Scotland are a very physical team,” the 20-year-old said.

“They go into the match following a good performance against England.

“They will be eager to clinch their first win against us and therefore we know we are in for a very difficult game. But we have left the victory against France behind us.

“We know we don’t have the luxury of savouring this win right now and relaxing.

“We still have one final game left and we must do all that we can to finish the tournament in the best possible way.”

Benvenuti has been included in Italy coach Nick Mallett’s starting XV to face Scotland.

Mallett has made six changes to the team that beat France, with Treviso’s Alberto Sgarbi replacing Gonzalo Garcia at centre and club team-mate Kris Burton taking Luciano Orquera’s place at number nine.

Italy flanker Paul Derbyshire will earn his first Six Nations start in Scotland.

Leonardo Ghiraldini, Salvatore Perugini and Quintin Geldenhuys all return to the team having been dropped to the bench against France.

Italy are currently fifth in the standings, two points clear of bottom side Scotland.