The Azzurri had a fine year in 2003, showing genuine class and raising themselves out of the ranks of rugby's minnow nations.

A stunning victory over Wales in Rome announced the days of cricket scores to be long gone, and the Italians were desperately disappointed not to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup later in the year.

An unfriendly draw (four games in fourteen days) did much to hamper their ambitions, and they could not manage a repeat performance against the Welsh Down Under.

Under the regime of Kiwi John Kirwan the Italians have developed dramatically in the last couple of years, and won admirers with their plucky refusal to bow to sometimes overwhelming odds.

Although it is unlikely they will cause England many problems in Rome on February 15, the Azzurri will be mounting a serious Six Nations campaign this year, and their most important fixture will undoubtedly be their second match at home to Scotland.

With the Scottish weak and fielding a largely inexperienced side, if Italy can rattle them early on they will have every chance of recording another famous victory.

They will also fancy themselves against the Welsh, although to win at the Millennium Stadium is a big ask.

Kirwan will look to the new generation of players coming through to take the Italian game to the next level.

Rima Wakarua at fly-half gave several star performances at the World Cup, proving himself consistent with the boot and tactically-aware at fly-half.

Meanwhile, a back-row combination of Sergio Parisse, Aaron Persico and Andrea De Rossi will cause problems for any of the other nations' packs.

Their relative inexperience, weaker infrastructure and smaller player pool will continue to count against them, but Italy are helping to make top-level rugby union a truly international game.