Although Italy have suffered two defeats in their opening three Test matches since Berbizier took charge - including a 69-21 mauling at the hands of Australia - Bollesan believes the performances in those matches bode well for the future.

In Berbiziers first outing as Italy coach, the Azzurri suffered a 35-21 defeat at the hands of Argentina but the RBS 6 Nations side bounced back brilliantly to claim a 30-26 win in the second match against the Pumas and square the series 1-1.

Italy then travelled onto Australia and although they were comfortably beaten at the Telstra Dome, Bollesan does not feel they were disgraced.

Our performance against the Pumas in Argentina gave to us the hope we wanted, he said.

We lost heavily in Melbourne, but we are still in positive mood and focused on having a bright future.

The defeat in Australia saw Italy concede 11 tries, four of which went to Lote Tuqiri.

However, the Italians showed great resolve despite trailing 38-0 after 32 minutes as well as losing fly-half Ramiro Pez to a head injury after just five minutes, scoring tries through Andrea Lo Cicero, Antonio Mannato and Mauro Bergamasco.

In my point of view we played too early in Australia after travelling from Argentina, Bollesan said. We were too tired and still suffering from jet-lag.

But we still managed to score three tries, and also don't forget we lost one of our best men (Pez) from the first few minutes and Mauro Bergamasco in the second half.

In Bollesans eyes, much of Italys success can be traced back to Berbizier. However the team manager also had words of praise for the Frenchmans predecessor John Kirwan.

New Zealander Kirwan vacated his post after this seasons RBS 6 Nations which saw Italy end up with the wooden spoon.

For us to win in Argentina was essential and I'm sure it gave to us the maturity we have been searching when we face big teams, he said.

Our coach Pierre Berbizier has really given a new identity to our team, without forgetting our ex-coach John Kirwan who had left a great team in good shape.

I believe our recent positive result will benefit us in future tournaments, starting with the RBS 6 Nations where we have to establish ourselves again after getting the wooden spoon last year.