Italy team manager Marco Bollesan believes the Azzurri could have sprung a surprise against Ireland on Saturday - had Denis Dallan not squandered a great opportunity to score a try.
The Italians lost 19-3 at Lansdowne Road but Bollesan continues to rue the Dallans failure to put five points on the board, which came at a stage when the home side led 9-0.
Dallan missed a wonderful opportunity to score and this could have changed the game, especially as we had the wind behind us in the second half, said Bollesan.
Despite his disappointment, Bollesan is pleased with Italys performances in this seasons RBS 6 Nations tournament.
John Kirwans side defeated Scotland two weeks ago, and if they beat the odds to defeat Wales next weekend Italy will finish the season with their best record since they joined the old Five Nations tournament in 2000.
But Bollesan acknowledges that it will be no easy task at the Millennium Stadium.
This Saturday we visit one of the most in-form teams in the Six Nations, but we will go there with no fear and do our best, he continued.
We are a strong team and we are making progress, we will fight hard in Cardiff and hopefully come away with a victory.
I admit that we are still lacking something in attack, but in defence we have been outstanding.