Italy captain Sergio Parisse has admitted that his side deserved their Six Nations defeat at the hands of England this afternoon.
The Azzurri matched their Grand Slam-chasing visitors for much of the opening 50 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico, but England ran in four tries in the final 30 minutes to ultimately cruise to a 40-9 victory.
Having begun their campaign with a narrow 23-21 defeat to France last weekend, Parisse was disappointed with his side's display this afternoon and acknowledged that the showdown with Scotland in a fortnight's time is now "crucial".
"We lost by 40 points. Most of all I'm disappointed for the fans, but the best team won," he told reporters.
"We played until the end against France, but that wasn't the case against England. We were expecting a very physical game and that was the case.
"Scotland is now a crucial match for us. We have to keep the same approach and keep working with determination."
Italy and Scotland, who are the only two sides who can still pick up the wooden spoon, meet at the Stadio Olimpico on February 27.
