And with the Italians failing to qualify for the World Cup, the Six Nations will be the highlight of their year.

Giandomenico said: “It is my first year and I don’t know what to expect so it is going to be a learning experience for me and the team.

“We are not playing in the World Cup so the only thing we are focussed on is the Six Nations so it gives us one more year to prepare for the next World Cup.

“I hope we win all our games because you play to win, but I would be very disappointed if we do not even win at least one game.”

Giandomenico has already named his squad to play Ireland and it includes plenty of fresh blood which the former Italian Under-18 coach believes bodes well for the future.

“We have a young squad and I think that the future is looking good for the next five years,” added Giandomenico.

“We have strong players but I think the strength of a side is how they play as a team, not as individuals.”

Despite being overwhelming favourites in the clash, Ireland will not be taking the new-look Azzurri lightly after being given a fright in last year’s competition.

The Italians were leading in the second half before Ireland’s superior fitness told en-route to a third-place finish – their best ever result in the Championship.

And Ireland captain Fiona Coghlan, who will be taking the reins for her first Six Nations campaign, maintains her side have learnt their lessons after nearly having their fingers burnt.

She said: “We nearly threw it away against Italy and in a way that was a wake-up call for us.

“Every team in the Six Nations is competitive and you cannot afford to give anything less than 100per cent.”