The 23-year-old, who became the Azzurris youngest ever captain in their Test against New Zealand in Hamilton two years ago, is a key component in John Kirwans national side and is optimistic that his performances will open doors for a move abroad.

Last week the Petrarca Padova player was named in Rugby World magazines Ideal RBS 6 Nations XV.

I was delighted to be chosen by Rugby World magazine as one of the XV ideal players and I hope this will help me play abroad, he said.

My dream is to play in England where the best Rugby Union Championship is.

I have already had contact with two teams and hope one of them will get me, but if I stay where I am, it will be not problem.

But one experience in England could be very good - not only to play rugby, but also for my future and my life experience.

As for Italy, who defeated Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations, Bortolami says the team is on the rise.

It was a good RBS 6 Nations for us with a great defence and I'm sure next year we will do even better.

The confirmation of John as coach until the 2007 World Cup will be a positive thing for me and all the others players are very happy, too.