Berbizier, the former France international who also coached his native country to Five Nations glory in 1993, was last month named as the successor to New Zealander John Kirwan.

Berbizier takes over an Italy side that finished bottom of this years RBS 6 Nations table and the Frenchman certainly has a testing job on his hands to turn the Azzurri into a side capable of challenging the elite teams of the world.

The 46-year-old will get an early chance to make an impact when Italy take on Australia and Argentina this summer, but Bortolami has warned against setting expectations too high too quickly.

Certainly it will be not an easy task for him, starting from the Test matches in June against Argentina and Australia, where we are facing two of best rugby teams in the world, Bortolami said.

Our fans need to be patience now, but I'm sure we can produce great games and consequently get the right results.

Bortolami is under no illusion that Italy have appointed the right man however, and insists the players are fully behind the Frenchman.

I spoke to our new coach a week ago after the press conference, and I see in him great rugby experience and knowledge.

I'm sure he will lead us to a better position than we are now. He has always got the best from his teams in the past, and his victories speak for him, Bortolami said.

I have also spoken to different people and friends, and they said wonderful things about Berbizier, the second row added.

Everybody believes he is a winner and a dressing-room person, capable of giving respect and getting the best from his players, but also a very hard worker who wants the best at every moment.

I'm sure me and my team-mates will do everything we can to help him, and I believe the first thing is to understand his style.