Back row forward Josh Sole, centre Matteo Barbini and hooker Fabio Ongaro and have joined the 24 men on duty for their historic, if controversial, 23-20 win over Wales at the Stadio Flaminio on Saturday.

The victory at Italys modest Roman home came hot on the heels of the Azzurris first ever RBS 6 Nations away win, a 37-17 triumph against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Mauro Bergamasco, who scored tries against both Scotland and Wales, has been an emblematic figure as the country starts to warm to the oval ball game.

Its a dream, said Bergamasco, whose brother Mirco also plays for the Azzurri, following in the footsteps of their father Arturo, who starred in the 1970s.

We believed right until the end and we have achieved what we deserved.

We gave absolutely everything we had from the first minute right through to the last.

Wales may have been angry at the controversial ending when they kicked for touch instead of for a potentially game-tying penalty after getting their wires crossed with referee Chris White, who has apologised for the breakdown in communication.

But Italian rugby is suddenly becoming all the rage, with the sports reputation for good crowd behaviour and respect between teams off the field attracting many spectators disillusioned with the endless scandals surrounding the countrys number one sport, football.

Regardless of the outcome of the final match with Ireland, Italy will be able to look back at their 2007 campaign as their best ever since joining the former Five Nations back in 2000.

Prop Andrea Lo Cicero is adamant that the Azzurri will not rest on their laurels.

Lo Cicero, who hails from the Sicilian town of Catania, said: We have had two memorable victories but now we must turn our attention to the Ireland match.

Back Gonzalo Canale has muscle problems in his left leg and further medical tests will be necessary before coach Pierre Berbizier knows if he can count on him next Saturday at the Flaminio.

Tuesday will see the now 27-man squad trimmed back to 24 again.