The Azzurris stock fell during the 2005 RBS 6 Nations when they failed to win any of their five games in the competition.

The disappointing results and sub-standard performances in the tournament cost former coach John Kirwan his job and the Kiwi has since been replaced by Pierre Berbizier.

Bollesan knows Italys mettle will be seriously tested when they play two Tests against Argentina on June 11 and 17 and another against the Wallabies on June 25.

But he feels Berbizier, the former France coach and veteran of 56 internationals as a player, will learn a lot about the mentality within his squad during the three matches.

These are very important Test matches for us against two great teams, he stressed.

Argentina will be a strong team if they call in all the players who play in Europe and Australia don't need any publicity - we all know how good they are.

I believe this is the occasion for our players to show some pride and all their capacity to our new coach and if we play well against these two teams, I can see a bright future for them and for the federation.

I know it is difficult to get a positive result against Pumas and the Wallabies but if we at least play well, we can really look forward.

We have to impress our new coach and show him we really are a good team who are willing to progress.

Bollesan revealed the squad would be announced this weekend and insisted there are still plenty of places up for grabs.

At present, me and my staff are looking at 56 players, he continued.

We will announce the 30 players who will go on tour this Sunday at Viadana before the second leg of the Super 10 semi-final between Viadana and Calvisano.