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MARSEILLE - Italy expect a clash high on intensity and emotion but low on open running rugby when they meet Scotland in their final match in Pool C on Sunday.
With a spot in the last eight at stake Italy backs Gonzalo Canale and Kaine Robertson expect neither side will take risks.
"I don't think we'll see a spectacular match, in a sense that there won't be too many fancy plays," New Zealand-born wing Robertson said.
"It's going to be a very fraught match because both teams will expose years of hard work in 80 minutes. I imagine a match in which both Italy and Scotland will try and make the most of every opportunity, every kick.
"It's very important we stay calm because if during the match we don't have the patience we need, we won't be able to play the game we want."
Italy, who were crushed by New Zealand in their opening match and then claimed unconvincing wins against Romania and Portugal, lie in third, two points behind Scotland.
They must win on Sunday if they are to achieve their aim of a first place in the knockout stage of a World Cup.
"We are much better mentally, trying to concentrate on being calm, although logically we are anxious because it's the last match of this pool and we have to win at all costs," said Canale.
When the teams last met in the Six Nations in February, Italy made a whirlwind start scoring three tries in the first six minutes on their way to a 37-17 win at Murrayfield.
But Scotland wing Sean Lamont said there was far more at stake this time around: "We all know it's going to be tough. Whoever wins this one goes through to the quarter-final. It should be a massive game."
- Reuters
