Italy will have to overcome the same old problems when it faces three nations ranked above it in the World Rugby rankings.

It's difficult not to look at, or rate, Italy with sheer pessimism, when you take into account their wretched test record and continued downward spiral in recent years.

The Azzurri have changed coaches, rotated players - young and old - appointed high-performance managers and switched directors of rugby, yet performances and results are eluding this test side.

Here's a look at what to expect from Italy, as FloRugby previews the teams in this year's Autumn Nations Series. All matches are being streamed live on FloRugby.

Italy: A Classic Case Of Expect Nothing And Never Be Disappointed?

Let's be honest. Italy will be lucky if it comes away with at least one victory from this series.

The Azzurri have fallen so far behind in the game's pecking order, that its Six Nations status is now being frowned upon and in some corners, even mocked, because it no longer is a position they hold on merit.

Heading into the 2022 Six Nations, Italy had not won a game in the tournament since 2015 and has never finished higher than fourth in the standings, an achievement they last managed 10 years ago.

To its credit, Italy pulled off one of the biggest heists in rugby this season, snatching a 22-21 victory from the jaws of defeat against Wales, a result that left the Welsh occupants inside the Millennium Stadium stunned.

It's easier to accept that rare win as a fluke, than to credit it as the turning point for Italian rugby.

And, with that in mind, wouldn't it be best for Italy to expect nothing from the upcoming test series?

The Opposition: The State Of Samoa, Australia And South Africa

Samoa is a team on the up. The Pacific Islanders have been boosted by World Rugby's eligibility amendment, which allowed certain national switches.

As such, coach Seilala Mapusua has called up former All Blacks duo Steven Luatua and Jeff Toomaga-Allen for this tour. Hard-running center Duncan Paia'aua, who was an unused sub on the Wallabies squad in 2021, also has made his way into the Samoa setup.

What more can be said about Australia and South Africa that hasn't already been written about and flashed across the back pages?

The Wallabies are not at their greatest, but the return of former captain Michael Hooper adds a completely different dynamic to Australia's game, making it instantly more of a threat in attack, on defense and particularly at the breakdown.

🙏 Hoops grateful for all the support.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/yPcrYRWIlp

— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 24, 2022

With crunch fixtures against Ireland, France and England, all games that will contribute in determining who finishes the year as the No. 1-ranked team, the Springboks in all likelihood will select the fringe squad players and uncapped Stormers duo of Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to play against the Italians.

But even so, there ought to be enough experience and firepower in the Boks' ranks to see off Italy.

Italy's Key Men

Montpellier fly-half Paolo Garbisi has made the Italian No. 10 jersey his own with a string of top performances, despite playing on a struggling team. His contribution in every match will be a telling factor in how the team performs.

Another player to watch is Tommy Allan. He can be erratic at times, but given half a chance, he is a destructive runner with ball in hand.

Up front, lock David Sisi and prop Simone Ferrari are the notable hard grafters who don't give an inch or take a backward step, irrespective of the quality of opponents they come up against.

If there is to be any kind of fight from Italy, these are the guys coach Kieran Crowley has to bank on to take it to Samoa, Australia and South Africa.