Italy suffered five consecutive defeats to finish bottom of the RBS 6 Nations table before seeing a coaching change, with New Zealander John Kirwan being replaced by Frenchman Pierre Berbizier.

The Azzurri then experienced contrasting results during their summer and autumn Test matches, with impressive victories against Argentina and Fiji being off-set by two defeats to the Pumas and a heavy loss at the hands of Australia.

Bollesan admitted, "2005 hasn't been our best year.

We found so many difficulties along the way, starting with a disappointing RBS 6 Nations, where we collected the wooden spoon after finishing bottom of the standings without a victory, he said.

Then we saw John Kirwans departure, and the appointment of Pierre Berbizier ahead of the summer Tests in Argentina and Australia, where we lost two games and won one.

However, Bollesan thinks the future looks a lot brighter for the Azzurri.

I believe this is a team with lots of potential, he added.

(It is) still very young but with good individuals, certainly there is not much time before the RBS 6 Nations starts, but we are going with big hopes, with the main target trying to avoid the wooden spoon.