New Italian coach John Kirwan knew that his players faced two daunting examinations against Argentina and world champions Australia.

An aggregate score of 9-70, with no tries scored, suggests it was every bit as tough as he anticipated, and there is much work to be done before the Six Nations, a competition that has seen Italy suffer 14 successive defeats.

Kirwan though, is not afraid to identify and blood young players, suggesting there could be a few unfamiliar faces around when Italy launch their Six Nations campaign at home to Wales on February 15.

Italy (lost to Argentina 36-6, November 16, Rome): Mirco Bergamasco; Mazzucato; Stoica, Barbini, Vaccari; Dominguez, Troncon (capt); Faliva, Moretti, Pucciariello, Bortolani, Delappe, Garozzo, Persico, Palmer.

Scorers: Penalties - Dominguez (2).

Italy (lost to Australia 34-3, November 23, Genoa): Mirco Bergamasco; Mazzucato, Stoica, Barbini, Vaccari; Pez, Queirolo; Castrogiovanni, Ongaro, Lo Cicero, Pavanello, Bortolani, Mauro Bergamasco, Persico, Parisse.

Scorers: Penalty - Pez.