Who’s in charge?

Frenchman Jacques Brunel will remain as head coach until the end of the season, when he is expected to be succeeded by Conor O’Shea, currently with Harlequins. Brunel appeared to have run out of steam during the World Cup warm-up matches, and his team fared little better in the tournament itself, finishing third in their pool between Ireland and France. But he has a respectable record in his four Championships to date, having finished bottom only once and taken the team to fourth place three years ago, equalling their best position since they joined the tournament in 2000.

Encouraging World Cup?

They deserve some credit for keeping their shape well enough to beat both Canada and Romania at the World Cup, but also enjoyed more than their fair share of luck. Ran Ireland close - significantly, in the only match in which captain Sergio Parisse played - and lost to France, finishing third in the group. That at least gave them automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup in Japan, and third place was in line with their seeding. Nonetheless, every team has a four-year cycle designed for it to peak at the World Cup, and there was little or no indication that Italy were in the right shape to do that.

How are they looking now?

An underwhelming World Cup confirmed the impression from their warm-up matches - two defeats by Scotland and another by Wales - that Italy are a team in transition. They have a lot of talented but inexperienced players who may take some time to blend into a coherent team. A difficult season awaits.

Who’s in, who’s out?

Brunel’s initial training squad for the Championship included a majority of uncapped players when it was named in December - although that was largely because the players based outside of Italy were unavailable then. All the same, the 30-man squad selected a fortnight ago for the first two rounds of the tournament still contained ten players who have yet to make their debut.The coach believes the time is right to give a lot of young players their chance now in his final few games in charge, although his hand has been forced to an extent by persistent injury problems.

Zebre’s encouraging results in the Challenge Cup, when they finished second in their pool to Gloucester after coming within three points of beating the holders, is reflected in the selection of No 8 Andries van Schalkwyk, prop Andrea Lovotti and stand-off Eduardo Padovani. Those returning from injury include burly stand-off Kelly Haimona, centre Giulio Bisegni and the Scottish-born lock George Biagi. Once more, however, Italy will rely above all on the old guard - their most experienced players such as Parisse, Racing 92 prop Martin Castrogiovanni and Australian-born back Luke McLean.

Key player

Parisse, their captain and No 8, has dragged them to victory at times through a combination of wiliness and an indomitable will to win. With well over 100 caps, the 32-year-old is not only the Italians’ best individual player: he also appears to inspire every other member of the team to raise their game. His World Cup was restricted to a single game because of injury, and he will need to stay fit throughout the Six Nations if Italy are to have any realistic chance of winning a couple of games.

Where are they strong?

Their pack is traditionally very powerful as well as technically accomplished, and once they get some momentum behind them they often exhibit an unshakable self-belief. With Castrogiovanni anchoring the scrum, the front row is a particularly strength, and they pride themselves on their scrummaging ability. Parisse leads the way in ensuring the team are very competitive at the breakdown, and if their forwards get on top the backs can often rise to the occasion and finish off moves well.

Where are they weak?

There is only one Parisse, and when he is injured or off form, Italy struggle. Their fundamental problem, like Scotland, is a small and shallow player pool from which to select the national squad. Apart from Parisse and a few others of proven Test ability, that squad is largely composed of solid, workmanlike but uninspired individuals.

They lack real quality in the backs, and the team as a whole does not always seem to know what kind of game suits it best. And, although they can raise their game when in the mood, the other side of that coin is a tendency to let their heads go down when events seem to be conspiring against them. More defiant determination is needed.

Who will they be worried about?

Scotland. Ensuring they do not finish bottom of the table is Italy’s primary objective every season, and when they do achieve it, it’s usually thanks to a win over the Scots. They have the advantage of being at home to Vern Cotter’s side this year, but are wary of the Scots’ attacking flair and strength up front.

While that game on 27 February could be the one that determines whether Italy have an acceptable or miserable Championship, they are also concerned about their opening game in Paris. The Azzurri need to hope that the French do not hit the ground running under new coach Guy Noves: a narrow defeat at the Stade de France would be no disgrace, but a heavy loss could set the tone for a long and dispiriting campaign.

What will they be happy with?

Spoon avoidance.