Franco Smith has called for more of the same from Treviso as they look to make it back-to-back Italian derby victories against Zebre.

Treviso edged a 10-3 victory in a tight affair away in Parma, with Christian Loamanu’s early second-half try and the boot of Alberto Di Bernado getting them over the line – though the scoreline failed to reflect their dominance of possession.

The victory moved Smith’s side into seventh in the RaboDirect PRO12 and they have the chance to leap-frog Cardiff Blues into sixth if the Welsh outfit lose and they beat Zebre on home soil and at Stadio di Monigo.

Zebre have made four changes for the return fixture – with Tobias Botes starting at scrum-half, and Paul Derbyshire and Robert Barbieri returning in the scrum.

Though Smith was happy to concede his side made it hard for themselves last time out, he insists he wants to see more of the fighting spirit as they look to win three successive league games for the first time since October 2011.

"I don't think you can be too negative about how we played, even if we probably should have scored more points,” Smith said.

“Our maul went well though, and the scrum as well. We controlled what we could but considering the grit of the opposition, they defended with heart and deserve credit for that.

"They desperately didn't want to lose and it seemed like a game from a few years ago. And you have to remember how heavy the pitch was.

"The Zebre are a determined side, and they will be looking to pick up their first win.

“An Italian derby is always the same. We had 80 per cent of possession last time out, always attacking and they did everything to stop us scoring.”

Zebre are currently propping up the RaboDirect PRO12 table and have only recorded five bonus points all season – with one coming from last weekend’s defeat.

Former Treviso centre Gonzalo Garcia missed the first clash between these two sides but returns to the centres while another ex-Treviso man Alberto Chillon comes in at scrum-half.

There is a new look front row with Matias Aguero, Davide Giazzon and Luca Redolfini lining up while Michael Van Vuren comes in for Josh Sole in the second row.

At Stadio Monigo , 3pm.
Referee: Matteo Liperini (FIR, 2nd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Alan Falzone, Andrea Spadoni (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Alberto Recaldini (FIR)
TMO: Carlo Damasco (FIR)

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