New Zealand are looking to finish their European tour with a morale-boosting Test win against Italy. They are still recovering from a 42-33 defeat by France at Marseille in the second Test between the countries - the New Zealanders won the opener in Paris.

Coach Wayne Smith admitted that experienced campaigners such as Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga were short of the standard necessary against France.

Italy, meanwhile, are buoyed by a 37-17 victory over Romania, their first win since they defeated Scotland in Rome in the Six Nations. Brad Johnstone's job as coach was reportedly on the line before the Romania match after Italy lost 22-17 to Canada at Rovigo.

But the recall of scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon for the Romania match made a crucial difference. He had been overlooked by Johnstone, a former New Zealand international, after snubbing a summer tour of the south Pacific.

He will again link up with outhalf Ramiro Pez today.