However a Scotland win tomorrow at Murrayfield would convince Hadden his team are capable of at least matching last year’s record of three wins out of five matches in the tournament.

Scotland have lost to England but beaten Wales so far, and Hadden said: “I don’t think the tables really tell anything after two games.

“We’ll have a better idea after tomorrow, where we’re sitting and whether we’re going to have some impact on this competition.”

The home side have made no secret of their respect for the Italy forwards, and Hadden believes quality is coursing through the entire Azzurri squad, even if they have lost to France and England already this season.

The Italians were heavily beaten by France in their opener but then caused England plenty of trouble at Twickenham on February 10, losing 20-7 but arguably edging the battle up front.

“They’ve got a very experienced squad now and they’re ready to do something special in the Six Nations,” Hadden told BBC Radio Scotland.

“They got close last year in the Six Nations – they were either drawing or winning every single game at half-time.

“They’re on the verge of doing something special and it’s up to us to make absolutely certain that doesn’t happen tomorrow.”