Kirwan - looking forwards. (Getty Images)

By Alex Lowe, PA Sport, Canberra

Italy may have missed out on a place in the World Cup quarter-finals but coach John Kirwan believes he saw enough during the campaign Down Under to predict a bright future for the Azzurri.

Kirwan's side were dealt a horror draw and Saturday's do-or-die encounter with Wales for a place in the last eight was their fourth game in 14 days.

Having had little time to recover from their previous match, Italy eventually "ran out of juice" in the face of tough Welsh defence.

But they will return home on Tuesday with two World Cup wins under their belt - over Tonga and Canada - and confident in the knowledge that had circumstances been different they could have reached their first quarter-final.

For the future of Italian rugby, it is crucial Kirwan does not rest on his laurels, particularly with the Six Nations just around the corner.

And fortunately for the Azzurri, he has no plans to.

"Overall this is one of the youngest Italian teams ever and they have achieved some great results," he said.

"I think it our job to keep getting better. We are a minor union that has been in the Six Nations and intend to keep getting results there.

"What we need to do is turn this positive World Cup into a positive Six Nations and just keep trying to get better.

"I am sure when we meet Wales next time, in the Six Nations, we will remember this loss and take that with us.

"For rugby in Italy it has been a positive World Cup, but we need to keep working hard, keep working with our youngsters and hopefully we will get a few results in the Six Nations that will keep the growth going."

Rugby in Italy hit the headlines big time during the tournament, with the narrow victory over Canada even leading the lunchtime television news.

That win set up the chance to take on Wales in what was effectively a play-off for Pool D's second quarter-final place.

Sadly for the Azzurri, a high injury toll from the win over the Canadians and only three recovery days meant victory was always going to be a tough ask.

But Kirwan, who had called on his men to draw on their reserves of courage and passion during the game, was full of pride.

"When a coach asks his players to leave everything on the field, he can only be satisfied," said Kirwan.

"The young players are a very important part of our team and this World Cup will serve as important experience to take into the future.

"We have come away with two victories and can build on that in the future."