I am not sure if the French will be able to play to their maximum potential because they have injuries and other problems.

However, with a team like France the quality difference between the first-choice players and the second-choice players is not that big.

France are the favourites but I am still hoping for an Italian win because it would have a huge impact on the tournament.

If we can compete at set phases in the scrums and the lineouts, where France are very strong, it will limit the possession their backs will get.

We must play with a good defence, make it simple and go and play our best on the pitch. We must never stop trying.

Something interesting could happen and if the players can perform and the public can create a good atmosphere - if we are at 120 per cent we can make it.

Carlos Nieto is doing very well and Pierre Berbizier likes to have a good set phase and he is very good in the scrum.

Ramiro Pez is back, but he has been out of action, and so on paper I think Andrea Scanavacca is the right man to start with at fly-half.

On paper we can win but its a game where we must perform at 200 per cent - a defeat would not be a huge surprise but there is a chance.

I was expecting Andrea Masi to play at full-back but the decision to pick Roland De Marigny gives us more options in the kicking department.