In Cardiff, we were never in the game and we were unable to cope with their speed. This was something that never happened in the other matches, so it is a shame to finish off like this.

After our performances against Scotland and Ireland, I was reasonably hopeful for the match in Cardiff, but we did not respond as well as we can. Despite this, however, I believe that it has been a positive season overall for Italy in the RBS 6 Nations.

I said before the tournament that I would be satisfied with one win, and we managed this.

The Wales game aside, I think that Italys performances improved with every game. We still need to work hard on our attacking play - we only managed two tries in the whole tournament - but our defending was good in every game but the Welsh one and I was impressed with our fitness throughout.

We went into the tournament with an inexperienced team, and overall I think that the younger players did well. They made the inevitable mistakes that come with youth, but these can be ironed out.

Next year, though, I think we must do better and try to improve our level. I dont know whether coach John Kirwan will be retained. If he is dismissed, then the Federation must have a replacement in mind, someone to build for the World Cup in 2007. But if it is just change for changes sake, then there is no point in getting rid of Kirwan.