The Azzurri skipper is buoyant about the improvement in Italian rugby but is concerned that they will have their work cut out on Saturday at the Stadio Flaminio.

Bortolami said: France are my favourites for victory in the tournament, they have a high quality squad and we cannot underestimate them at all.

But we are better than ever and there is lots of enthusiasm around us.

We are really competitive, and we are going into this RBS 6 Nations with high hopes.

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier, a Frenchman, put his charges through their paces on Wednesday and has added Roberto Mandelli to the squad as cover for the injured Alessandro Zanni.

Prop Andrea Lo Cicero believes avoiding mistakes is the key to getting the right result against Les Bleus.

The Sicilian said: We are ready to battle, we are ready to get a big push from our fans to try and produced a positive display.

But we must stay calm and not fall into making unforced mistakes which can be dangerous especially against a team like the French.