The games against Tonga (November 12), Argentina (19) and Fiji (26) will act as warm-ups for next years RBS 6 Nations competition and a number of players in the Azzurri squad will be out to impress in the hope of securing a Six Nations spot.

Much is expected of the young Azzurri team as fans begin to see the influence of new coach Pierre Berbizier, who has been able to turn things around in just two months.

The Frenchmans impact has seen the Italian players grow in confidence and develop a new maturity and determination, as well as a more clinical attacking line.

However, Italian team manager Marco Bollesan believes the Azzurri must be at their very best in Novembers Test matches if they are to consolidate the progress they have made so far under Berbizier.

Certainly, Novembers Test matches are going to be difficult for us, Bollesan said.

All three teams are well placed in the world rankings and Im sure these three matches are coming at the right moment, before a huge tournament like the RBS 6 Nations.

Although Italy suffered an unexpected 35-21 defeat in the opening Test in Argentina last month, they responded with a 30-29 win in Cordoba to give Berbizier his first victory since taking over from John Kirwan.

The Italians may then have failed to repeat the trick in Australia, where they were comfortably beaten at Melbournes Telstra Dome, 69-21, but they managed to score three tries against one of the worlds most powerful teams for the first time.

The June Tests in Argentina and Australia were welcomed by us, especially by our new coach, who already has positive indications about the players, added Bollesan.

Im sure if the players win all the three games in November, our approach to the RBS Six Nations 2006 will be even better than ever.