The Italians picked up the wooden spoon last year, tasting defeat in all five matches but Bollesan insists their opponents will face a tougher task this time around.

We going into the next RBS 6 Nations with a young team who know their opponents will be strong teams, he said.

I believe this will be a level tournament and I don't think there will be a huge gap between the six teams.

We are young and ambitious. We changed a lot this year, starting with the manager and also we called up lots of young and uncapped players.

Certainly we are aware of all of last years mistakes and I'm sure we are going to make as few errors as possible.

Bollesan has also believes last years runners-up France are the favourites lift the trophy this year.

I believe there three or four team are able to win the RBS 6 Nations 2006, but from my point of view Les Blues are the favourites to win it and apart from the fixtures schedule favouring them I think they are the best team, he added.

Coach Pierre Berbizier named his 25-man squad earlier this week. Italy open their campaign against Ireland at Lansdowne Road on February 4 before facing England in Rome a week later.