Although Italy failed to win a game in this years RBS 6 Nations, Bollesan has been encouraged by the signs seen since then.

Several Italy internationals have moved abroad, and while Bollesan admitted this would be a blow for the domestic Super 10 competition, he expects the national team to reap the benefits in the long run.

For sure, our federation can have high expectations this year, he said. This has been a positive years for us after we contested a great RBS 6 Nations tournament.

We have seen many of the Azzurri players sign for teams in the most difficult leagues in Europe like France and England, and this - without a shadow of a doubt - will give greater value and experience to our squad for future international tournaments.

It will certainly penalise our major domestic tournaments, but it does not reflect badly on the great work done by our (federations) president Giancarlo Dondi and his staff.