Italy coach Conor O'Shea is ready for the Azzurri's "huge learning process" to continue when they tackle Six Nations opponents Wales on Sunday.
Italy look set to finish bottom of the Six Nations table for a 13th time in 19 seasons, having suffered three successive defeats ahead of this weekend's Cardiff clash before hosting Scotland next Saturday.
O'Shea, however, is undeterred as he continues with the job he calls "fixing Italian rugby."
They have had their moments this season, notably against England, and seen players like full-back Matteo Minnozzi and flanker Sebastian Negri leave an impressive mark on the tournament.
Ultimately, though, Italy have conceded 136 points and 18 tries across their three games, suggesting that another whitewash beckons.
"We have to perform to our maximum all the time and understand we will be under massive pressure," O'Shea said.
"This is all part of a huge learning process with a huge group of young guys who will learn what's needed. This isn't the PRO14 - this is another level.
"I am really proud of the impact players like Matteo Minnozzi and Sebastian Negri and others have made during this championship.
"Piece by piece our job is fixing Italian rugby, and piece by piece we are going to put together a side which will learn, get better and get fitter.
"We will grow and grow. It isn't easy, but if sport was easy then everybody would be able to do it.
"We will work on Sunday to see whether we can get ourselves into a position that an energy moment will go our way at the right time. And then you never know."