Italy picked up their first win in this seasons tournament when they beat Scotland in Rome last time out but Persico concedes the Irish at Lansdowne Road are likely to be a completely different proposition.

Ireland are currently level on four points with second-placed England having claimed a shock victory over the defending World and Six Nations champions at Twickenham.

The Irish are a great team without any doubt and to go to Dublin to win is maybe a bit too much, but if we can be confident in attack maybe we can come back with something positive, Persico said.

However, the Leeds Tykes star does not feel that Ireland are invincible and believes Italy have a chance of causing an upset, not matter how slim.

Our defence is the best weapon we have got but we saw the video of England-Ireland at Twickenham and personally I think even the Irish have a few weak points, he said.

I believe if we go onto the pitch with more faith and confidence the difference could be minimal, and also don't forget we have nothing to lose.