That may seem a strange claim given that Italy have already tasted defeat at the hands of world champions England in Rome and unbeaten France in Paris.

However, the Benetton Treviso man believes Eddie OSullivans sides stunning victory over England at Twickenham establishes them as the top dogs, even though they were beaten by the French in Paris earlier in the tournament.

There is no doubt, said Ongaro. Ireland are certainly the strongest of the teams we have played until now.

Not only that: I dont think they will be relaxed against us because their win at Twickenham has given them the chance of winning the 2004 tournament.
In fact I doubt that France, even if they are playing at home, will beat England in their final game and I foresee three teams (France, England and Ireland) with the same number of points at the end of the tournament.

That would mean points difference would come into play and thats why I think Ireland will attack us to get the maximum number of points on the board.

Ongaro believes a watertight defence is the key to his sides hopes of overturning Ireland in Saturdays match at Lansdowne Road.

The Irish are on a roll after their sensational victory over world champions England at Twickenham but Ongaro believes that Italy still have a chance, albeit slender, of consigning the Irish to defeat on home soil.

Ongaro said: This week we have worked a lot on attack but also with an eye on defence.
If we manage to defend well and to not give any space to the Irish we can find the method and space to score more than they can against a nervous team.