Italy are the underdogs and I don’t think many people will think that we can win in Dublin especially after the World Cup. But if the attitude is right and we play simple, great defence and bring the game to them physically and technically we can go for a result.
We have an Irish team that is under pressure. They didn’t perform well at the World Cup and didn’t live up to high expectations. They will be very motivated. But any team, even the best in the world, will suffer when they are under pressure. Italy need to take the game to them in terms of attitude, playing simple and using the power of the scrum – which is pretty good.The players have to give 110 per cent, otherwise it will be pretty hard.
These are the players that are in form at the moment so we’re pretty confident in the team that will be put on the pitch. I’m sure the guys will perform with the best they can give. It’s a young midfield. At number nine and ten are Pietro Travagli and Andrea Masi which is a kind of experiment because those two players need to play together. They’re both inexperienced – Masi in terms of position and Travagli in terms of international performances. It’s not going to be easy but I’m sure they can bring a physical presence because they’re both strong and powerful. If these two players work properly than I’m pretty confident Italy can have a good performance.
Masi played in this position when he was in the youth team but that’s obviously a totally different thing. He has talent, power and is strong. He’ll be very good in defence but I’m not sure he can immediately give 100 per cent to the team, though I’m sure he’ll put 100 per cent effort in. He just needs time and the help of the whole team.
Although this is the same team that disappointed in the World Cup it’s also the same one that did so well in the last RBS 6 Nations. Nick Mallett’s decision was partly due to the fact he doesn’t have many options in some positions. This is the best team he can put on the pitch. Their motivation is completely different to that in the World Cup and I’m expecting that, at least in attitude, the same players will have a totally different performance.
