The centre, who plays his club rugby for Stade Francais, is one of 11 members of the Azzurri squad who ply their trade in Frances Top 14 league.

Bergamasco admits Les Bleus are clear favourites to win the match in Paris but he feels Italys familiarity with their opponents could balance things out.

''We are going to face a team who we know very well, he told PA Sport.

Most of us are playing or have played in the Top 14, so we have met Les Blues players on a number of occasions.

It will be like playing a derby against your cousins.

Italy have impressed in their opening two games in this seasons tournament.

Ireland were fortunate to come away with a 26-16 victory over the Azzurri in their first match while England were given a scare in Rome before finally emerging 31-16 winners.

Bergamasco, who scored tries in both games, insists France will be given the same treatment as Italys first two opponents.

''It will be a battle, he said. We will try to make as few errors as possible, then press their line trying to push them back.

France are a fantastic team but we are playing at our best at the moment. We are being acclaimed by the press but we want to achieve more than that.

I'm sure they (France) want to win this game and go on to win the Six Nations, but we are going to surprise them.

We are certainly not going into the game in Paris believing we are already beaten.