The Cardiff Blues centre picked up his 50th cap in the 6-16 win over France in Paris and again starts alongside Jonathan Davies in Rome.
Wales will be hoping for a second consecutive win against Jacques Brunel’s men with Roberts a key figure in both defence and attack.
“It’s gone pretty quickly, that’s the scary thing,” said Roberts of his career so far.
“You reach that milestone but the more important thing is to perform in the Welsh shirt. However many times you play, it’s about the good performances you put in.
“It re-emphasises to me the responsibility I’ve got to take within the team as a senior player and I enjoy that responsibility.”
Following the win on his 50th cap, Roberts was visibly emotional as Wales bounced back from their opening defeat to Ireland.
It’s a busy time for the 26-year-old who is currently juggling revision with Six Nations preparations.
And although he will sit his final round of medical exams in the same week as the clash with England, Roberts knows Wales must use the win over France as a springboard for further success.
Wales now face an Italian side shorn of skipper Sergio Parisse with the Stade Francais man missing the rest of the Six Nations after being sent off while on club duty.
Leicester prop Martin Castrogiovanni will captain Italy in his place while Kristopher Burton takes over from Luciano Orquera at fly-half.
“We’ve set the standard and it’s important to build on that,” Roberts added.
“We’ve won a game out in France which is a great achievement but certainly as players we know there’s a lot of work to do and that we’ve only won one game.”
Roberts is among an unchanged line up for Saturday’s clash at the Stadio Olimpico and says Wales will be looking for their attacking game to fire against the Italians.
“I’m happy with my own form and looking to continue to do my bit for the team,” he added.
“A win can do a lot for your confidence and also for the way you play the game. As a backline there’s more focus on us to express ourselves and play a bit more attacking rugby.
“When you name your team early it gives you that extra time to ensure that everyone is comfortable together. Hopefully that will reap its rewards.
“What matters now as a Welsh team is that we retain the Six Nations. Hopefully we’ll go out and do the business in Rome.”
You can follow the entire match between Italy and Wales by logging on to www.wru.co.uk/live
