My prediction before the tournament was that France would win, but Ireland played the best rugby. They impressed everyone.

We could not close down the gaps, Ronan OGaras tactical kicking was very good and they exploited their openings.

We missed a few players, especially Mauro Bergamasco, and our defence was under pressure. Ireland have so many good players - Gordon DArcy, Brian ODriscoll, OGara.

Theres a little disappointment in the way we finished, although at least we had a try to celebrate at the end. But we are looking very good after this tournament because we won two games, defended well and kept things simple in attack.

We started slowly against France but played well against England and then did well after that. Our performances have been good for the tournament and Italian rugby and people are going crazy about rugby in Italy now.

It has been an amazing tournament. The highlight had to be the win in Scotland for the result and the confidence it will give us ahead of the World Cup where we must hope to reach the quarter-finals.

That was the key moment when we started to play with more confidence. Alessandro Troncon was a leader on the pitch and he was outstanding, but so were Sergio Parisse and Bergamasco, who is outstanding and can play anywhere.

It has been a phenomenal tournament and we can take many positives in World Cup year.