Italy scrum-half Edoardo Gori insists his side have turned a corner after they ended a difficult year with a series of promising performances in the autumn internationals.
After losing all five of their 2014 RBS 6 Nations encounters, the Azzurri endured a tough summer with defeats to Fiji, Samoa and Japan.
But a 24-13 triumph over Samoa earlier this month stopped the rot before battling defeats to Argentina and South Africa restored the belief to Jacques Brunel’s squad.
And having fought back from a knee injury himself, Gori is confident Italy can continue to improve around a gifted new half-back partnership between the 24-year-old and fly-half Kelly Haimona.
“It was a difficult 2014, but after so many crises we see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
“We are not yet out, indeed, we have yet to grow a lot – we saw that against Argentina, where we could and should have won.
“But it must be stressed that the attitude of the group has changed a lot, everyone gave 100% both in training and on the field and even those who did not play have brought a lot of enthusiasm and a great desire during workouts.
“Haimona is a great player, but we are not two superstars that can slot in together quickly, we need to know and grow to give our best.
“In short, the harmony will come with time, but my first impression is that he is a great player who will be important for Italy.”
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