The Italians are riding high after an impressive home win against Scotland, but no side has as much confidence as the Irish after their triumph in London against world champions England.

''I think it will be very hard to win in Ireland, never mind that they have beaten the world champions at Twickenham,'' De Rossi said.

In my opinion, they are still favourites against us, especially when they play at Lansdowne Road.

The days when teams facing the Italians felt victory was a mere formality are long gone but Ireland too are a vastly-improved outfit in recent years.

Certainly we won't go in Dublin already defeated because our mentality is always try to win, De Rossi said.

But we must give credit to the Irish, who are great team, and a few of their players are more than outstanding.

Hopefully we can take at least two points in the last two games. We are working very hard in training and we are hoping to hit the heights again.