Heavyweight Azzurri warn Irish pack

Italy plan to target the Ireland forwards in their pivotal World Cup clash on Sunday, and are making no excuses if the game degenerates into a turgid physical contest.

It is a game they have to win to make the quarterfinals, and coach Nick Mallet said the only way to do that is play to their strength, likening the potency of his powerful forwards to that of the fleet-footed All Blacks backs.

The Italian pack demolished the United States pack on Tuesday as they pulled off a valuable four-try bonus point win 27-10. The victory put Italy in contention to make the World Cup play-offs for the first time ever.

To achieve that, they have to win their final pool game against Ireland, who have pulled off the biggest upset of this tournament so far by beating Australia who are still certain to qualify from Pool C.

That famous victory was based on a massive effort from the Irish pack who put the Wallabies under pressure at scrum-time and held their dangerous runners up in the tackle to prevent them from getting the quick ball that they thrive on.

For more than 25 minutes in the second half against the United States, Italy turned down kickable penalties, preferring instead to scrum in the hope of setting a platform for a try in what was a demonstration of what their big men are capable of.

In the end they were awarded a penalty try as the USA forwards collapsed under the constant pressure, and while it wasn't pretty Mallet cited that performance as a warning for what Ireland can expect.

"It's frustrating for me when the team gets criticised but no one criticises the All Blacks for playing with their backs and for scoring great tries because they've got some of the most skillful backs in the world," he said.

"If Italy's sitting with probably one of the best front rows in the world it would be really ridiculous not to use that strength," he added.

With only five days before the Ireland game, Mallet said the Italians would probably have two days' rest and then only one practice session.

He had hoped to withdraw his key players early against the United States but was forced to leave them on until the crucial bonus point try was scored with 15 minutes remaining.

Fortunately for Italy they came through the United States match without any injuries and will be at full strength against Ireland, with regular fullback Andrea Masi back after missing Tuesday's game with a thigh strain.

AFP