Italy's South African-born lock Carlo Del Fava believes the Azzurri must maintain their strong defence if they are to beat Fiji in Modena on Saturday.

Italy have conceded only three tries in their two Test matches against Argentina and Australia, and Del Fava is expecting another test of their tackling ability against the exuberant Pacific Islanders.

"Last Saturday in Florence against Australia our front five made a lot of tackles," Del Fava said.

"We have a lot of confidence in our defence and it is from our defensive organisation that we have to lay the foundations to beat Fiji.

"They're quick with a lot of power in their legs. They're difficult to stop but we have to respect our game plan and be disciplined both in defence and attack.

"This is our third and final autumn Test, there's a lot of attention on our pack and we must maintain the level of the last two tests up front and use that as a solid platform for our attacks."

Italy lost both their previous Tests, 22-16 against the Pumas and 32-14 to the Wallabies, but they were competitive throughout both matches and were by no means an easy touch.

In fact the score against Australia was exaggerated by a last-second converted try when the ball popped out of an Italy scrum giving Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom a gift.

Fiji's autumn outings have gone marginally better as although they lost 34-12 to France in Paris, they then held Wales to a 16-16 draw in Cardiff.

What may have surprised many people about that game is that Fiji kept things relatively tight and Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni believes that is something the flamboyant Islanders are developing.

"They've played some very good games in November and it won't be easy for us," he said.

"It will be a battle, like us Fiji always give it everything physically.

"They're better than they were because now they don't just run the ball straight away, they go with the forwards first and then look to spread it."

Fiji have made six changes for this game while Italy's South African coach Nick Mallett made just three.

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