Skrela won the race to replace injured Frederic Michalak ahead of Stade Francais team-mate Lionel Beauxis, and Berbizier believes the fly-half will make life difficult for the Azzurri.

'I have seen David Skrela play,' said Berbizier. 'I think he is a very good player and he has shown it while playing for the top team in France, Stade Francais.

'Saturday's game will be a good opportunity for him to show his quality and he will be a danger to us because his role is key in a game.'

Berbizier admits his team face a mighty challenge against tournament favourites France, but insists Laporte's men should not take anything for granted.

'I think we won the respect of the teams and of the referees in this tournament last year,' he continued.

'I expect my team to confirm our status again this year and hopefully we will show this in the Six Nations. I prepare for every game with the intention of winning.'

Berbizier defended his decision to play veteran Andrea Scanavacca for the crucial fly-half role on Saturday, meaning Ramiro Pez will start on the bench.

He said: 'We saw what Scanavacca is capable of during the Tests last November,' he said. 'It will be interesting to see him play at this level.

'It's normal for Scanavacca to play from the start considering that Pez has been injured for some time and Scanavacca plays with (scrum-half) Paul Griffen at Calvisano.'

Should the Azzurri need any further motivation, Italy's team manager Carlo Cecchinato revealed the players will receive bonuses according to the results they achieve on the pitch.

But Berbizier believes his men need no added motivation going into the tournament. 'Victory in an international game needs no prize,' he added.