The Italians face a huge challenge in trying to overcome Eddie OSullivans men in Dublin, having never won a game away from home in the competition.

But new coach Pierre Berbizier has given fresh impetus to the Italy squad, and Checchinato is sure the players will rise to the challenge for the Frenchmans first RBS 6 Nations game in charge of the national team.

We are ready for Saturday and the boys are all sharp and focused, Checchinato said.

Players like Gonzalo Canale, who has had a full season in France with his club Clermont Auvergne, are ready after a weeks break with us.

With Irish backs like Brian ODriscoll, Gordon DArcy and Ronan OGara in scintillating form for their respective provinces in the European Cup, Italy know they must use their forward power if they are to stand a chance of snatching a shock win.

Checchinato is adamant Italys players will not back down in the face of an Irish onslaught.

He said: We are training hard in preparation for the match and we are going to fight Ireland all the way - that is for sure.

Ireland are a strong side, but we are strong too. It is the first game of the competition, so anything can happen, and although they are favourites for the game, were determined to make an impact.

And Giancarlo Dondi, the president of the Italian Rugby Federation, believes Berbiziers men may surprise a few people in this years RBS 6 Nations.

The Azzurri picked up the wooden spoon last year and are tipped to do so again in 2006.

But Dondi has backed a squad hit by injury to shine in difficult circumstances.

He said: We are going to be without a few important players in the Six Nations.

But I believe in these young players. I firmly believe we are capable of playing a good game of rugby and we are ready to challenge all our opponents.

I always say it doesnt matter if we lose games, but each game we play is important. We are ready to give our best, fight every other team and make our fans happy.

He added: Every game will be hard, no matter if we play against the English or the Scottish. We must be competitive in every circumstance, then we will see what can happen.