The Azzurri enjoyed their best performance since joining the tournament in 2000, finishing fourth ahead of Wales and Scotland with two wins from five outings - including their first championship win on away soil against the Scots on February 24.

However, the gloss was taken off their achievement following their thumping loss to tournament runners-up Ireland on Saturday, when a second-half capitulation saw the Azzurri slump to a 51-24 defeat.

Dondi said: 'Certainly I was a bit disappointed after the home defeat against Ireland.

'In the first half there were great hopes. We played a good game and our tactical discipline was good, and the gap between them and us was short.

In the second half the Irish came on the pitch with great attitude. They pushed very hard from the start and their positive approach was hard to contain. They also found so much space near the end of the game.

We made too many unforced mistakes and gave them the chance to punish us.'

Nevertheless, the overall performance has come as a boost to the Italian supremo, who cites the 23-20 win against Wales on March 10 and the battling 20-7 defeat against England at Twickenham a month earlier as particular highlights.

Dondi added: When I look through the whole tournament, I firmly believe this has been our best display since our debut in 2000.

'We started a bit slow at home against the French in the first game [a 39-3 defeat in Rome], but we restored some pride against England at Twickenham, playing a fantastic second half.

Then we shocked the Scots at their home after a great start in the first half which gave us a 21-0 lead after seven minutes.

Against Wales we played well - in my view that was our best performance in the tournament. Even when we were chasing them in the second half, I believed we were going to win that game because our team spirit was very positive.

At the end of the game I was overjoyed.