The Azzurri have won just three games in the Six Nations since their admission, but this years tournament saw them produce some of their best performances to date and Bollesan is confident they are taking strides in the right direction.

We have now been accepted into this tournament thanks to the progress we have made and the positive displays in each game, Bollesan said.

It is a very important time for all of us. This years RBS 6 Nations has ended but with the World Cup next year, as well as the 2007 RBS 6 Nations, we are really making an effort to move forward on the same level as the big nations.

I am confident we are making the progress necessary to remain at the top level, but there is plenty more hard work to be done.

Italy shocked the rugby world by beating Scotland in their opening game in the tournament six years ago, but since then they have only managed two more victories in the competition.

But there was real cause for optimism this season as new coach Pierre Berbizier instilled a new sense of belief in the Azzurri players.

Although they failed to notch up victory number four in the competition, they competed strongly in every game, and notched their first points away from home when they drew 18-18 with Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

While Bollesan admits progress has not been quite as rapid as expected following the win over Scotland in 2000, he has nevertheless been delighted by the way the Italian public have embraced the competition.

The growth has been steady, although admittedly a little slow after the stunning win over Scotland at the beginning, he said.

Since then the individual results havent gone our way but everyone is now agreed that we have progressed significantly and this is a source of satisfaction beyond my imagination.

It was especially pleasing to be accompanied by 3,500 supporters to Cardiff. Our fans have real faith in the team, even if the results are poor, he added.