Sergio Parisse will make history on Sunday when he leads out Italy in their opening Rugby World Cup clash – but records are not the No.8’s focus.
The Italian totem – who earlier this year became the record holder for Guinness Six Nations appearances with 69 – will be lining up in his fifth World Cup.
Only two other men have achieved this feat, Samoa’s Brian Lima – whose last came in 2007 – and Parisse’s compatriot Mauro Bergamasco whose last came four years ago in England.
But with only four days between the Azzurri’s opening two games, Parisse’s mind is not on the history books.
He said: “We want to start the World Cup with a victory. We know it will be a difficult game where we have to play at our best level.
“Namibia are a physical team that will be hunting a major victory. We want to start this World Cup in the best way possible.
“(A fifth World Cup) is a source of pride, no doubt, but now my focus is only on the opening match against Namibia.
“The numbers and the statistics are important and they are pleasing to everyone, but now it is important for me and for the team to focus on the performance in our first World Cup match.”
Italy’s warm-ups saw them downed by Ireland, France and England but they also claimed a morale-boosting win over Russia.
And with Namibia and then Canada up first, Italy can kickstart their campaign in style before the tougher tests to come of South Africa and New Zealand.
And head coach Conor O’Shea – who led Italy past the Springboks only three years ago – is desperate for a fast start in Pool B.
“Finally our adventure at the World Cup will begin after three months of preparation. We know we immediately have a great challenge with two matches in four days,” he said.
“Our goals right now are the matches against Namibia and Canada.
“The immediate focus is on the first match. Having so little time between the first two matches means almost all the players will play, as that will be important from a physical point of view. We are ready to show our level. By playing our best rugby we can have an opportunity in all our matches.”
