e Azzurri will hope to better their previous performances in the RBS 6 Nations Championship while also attempting to qualify for next years World Cup in France.

Italy captain Bortolami said: We are going to face an important series of matches, with the World Cup as a final target.

Italy have earned respect, especially after the last Six Nations, but this is not enough for us.

We must start to beat teams above us in the world rankings and to do so we must remain competitive until the last minute of every game.

Italy must beat Portugal next month if they are to have any chance of qualifying for next years World Cup.

The qualification games must be met with maximum determination, Bortolami added.
Our main target is to qualify for France 2007.

Looking at the Six Nations, our target is to beat Wales at home after the draw in Cardiff last year.

I am also dreaming of overturning the undeserved defeat to Scotland in Rome.

Bortolami, who plays his club rugby for Gloucester, is aware Italys star continues to rise on the world stage.

He said: I do believe we are getting nearer to the bigger countries but it is necessary to keep on working hard.

In this sense, my experience in England and that of the other Azzurri players in France and England is very useful as every week we can compete against the strongest players in Europe.