The Azzurri recently qualified for the 2007 World Cup by beating Portugal and Russia, and will now take one heavyweights Australia and Argentina.

Team manager Marco Bollesan said: 'We have a large and competitive squad, and this is an important detail that will be revealed as fundamental in view of our next important challenges such as the autumn Test matches, the RBS 6 Nations and the World Cup in France in 2007.

'Certainly, the next matches in November against Australia, Argentina and Canada will be very important for us.

We want to see if we have improved, which is a crucial thing for us, especially with regard to the next RBS 6 Nations, after showing great things in the last tournament.'

'To win against Portugal and Russia with a large margin creates enthusiasm around us and our beloved fans, Bollesan added.

The mood is very positive in Italian rugby under French coach Pierre Berbizier who has drafted Overmach Parma centre Marco Mario Neethling into his 30-man squad for the autumn internationals.

Neethling, who replaces the injured Biarritz centre Andrea Masi, is the first change Berbizier has made to his group for the November Tests.

The 21-year-old Neethling was in the Azzurri squad for their World Cup qualifier against Portugal against October 7 but did not play.