They have very dangerous three quarters who are some of the best in the world especially the centres (Brian ODriscoll and Gordeon D'Arcy).

They also have a strong scrum so we must be very competitive in that department as well and for some of our younger players it will be a test of their character.

I am pleased that Mauro Bergamasco is playing in the back row again and he simply has to be there because he was wasted when he was moved (to wing) - he is a very special player and we need him to be at the top of the game.

One good thing for Italy is that we have Alessandro Troncon back - he is a very important player for us and we missed him badly last year and his experience will be important even if he is getting older.

What pleases me is the form of some of the younger players which gives us good reason to be optimistic for the future and I was particularly impressed by Ludovico Nitoglia during the November Test matches.

The Six Nations will test the new players because it is very intense and because of the frequency of the matches it will be a learning experience.

Our best chance of winning this season is the Scotland game but on any given day if Italy play well they are capable of creating a surprise.