‘Italy must be ruthless'

SIX NATIONS: FORMER CAPTAIN BELIEVES THE ENGLISH ARE VULNERABLE

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MARCO BORTOLAMI Picture: Getty Images

(Getty Images)

Italy will need to be more “ruthless” if they are to take advantage of a “vulnerable” England in their Six Nations clash in Rome this weekend, former Azzurri captain Marco Bortolami said.

And ex-coach Pierre Berbizier insisted that Italy have “the weapons” to shock Steve Borthwick’s England.

In 32 previous matches, Italy have never beaten England but Bortolami, who is now Georgia’s interim head coach, played in some of the closest encounters.

Six times, Italy have lost by a converted try or less, including their best ever result, a 27-24 reverse two years ago in Rome.

Bortolami, a former lock, was an Italy stalwart between 2008 and 2012 when the Azzurri lost by no more than five points in three consecutive home Six Nations clashes with England.