Italy to put Ireland debacle behind them

Italy are hoping to put in a much improved performance in Cardiff this weekend as they face Six Nations favourites Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

A second half collapse in Dublin 10 days ago saw the Azzurri slump to a 42-10 defeat as the men in green reeled off 25 unanswered points after the break.

That ensured Italy come into the match against the Six Nations leaders in their customary spot at the bottom of the table.

But hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini says they will be playing to restore their pride against the Welsh.

"We have a great desire to make up for (the Ireland performance) and luckily we have another match to turn things around," he said.

"It's a chance to take the work we've been doing in this Six Nations and get back our pride because in the last 20 minutes [against Ireland] we lost a bit of intensity and pride.

"We need to get that back in a very tough match against a Wales team who like to play and are confident in their ability.

"We'll try to do everything to put them in difficulty and play our game."

Ghiraldini recognises, however, that Italy will have their work cut out containing Wales's vibrant three-quarter line.

"They've got great backs, they use their centres a lot, who are fast, strong and tall, as are their wingers.

"We've seen them in the videos, they're a team who like to play with these players and they always do well one-on-one.

"They're patient, they don't move forward too quickly, they patiently go through many phases.

"We'll have to be careful and aggressive, we must push up high in defence, tackle and win back the ball."

Although on paper this match should be a home banker, Ghiraldini doesn't see it that way and believes his team can cause the favourites problems.

And he says that there is nothing new for Italy to be seen as the underdogs.

"We've been used for some time to playing against teams that are ahead of us in the world rankings, whether in the Six Nations or in the June and November tests," he said.

"For the last few years we've always had tough matches but our aim is always to impose our game throughout the match.

"And never leave our opposition the possibility to gather themselves, to never lower our tempo or aggressiveness.

"We'll go to Wales convinced we have a great team and can do ourselves justice.

"We played a great game against England (a 19-15 loss) and also in France [where they lost 30-12].

"Now we need to add to the good things we've done with some new ones and face Wales head on.

"It's a great challenge in a great stadium, one of the most beautiful in the world."

AFP