Azzurri short of maturity

Italian captain and hooker Alessandro Moscardi is bullish about his country's aspirations in this season's Six Nations Championship, eschewing any subservient tones. Whether his optimism is mere bluster or founded on something more substantial will be determined to a large degree tomorrow.

Moscardi isn't hiding behind platitudes: "We have three home matches and we need to win all three. Ireland and Wales are within our grasp. France are on another level, but then so were Scotland last season and we beat them." He added that England would be tough but the Italians would not be hampered by expectation at Twickenham.

The hooker's views are not shared by all the national side, at least publicly. Scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon offers more cautious evaluation of his team's chances: "This is a transition season for us as there is a number of new faces. I think this Six Nations is as much about growing as a unit as about winning matches."

Last season Italy heralded their arrival in the championship as fully paid up constituents by beating Scotland in their opening game at tomorrow's venue. It was to prove a high point from which Italian hopes crashed to the basement, sixth place. It is not so much where they finished in their debut season but the manner in which they plunged to the depths.

Ireland, Wales and England all administered beatings of varying severity while two late tries against France flattered the Italians somewhat. That game was supposed to mark the retirement of Diego Dominguez, the diminutive Argentinian-born field marshal. Nine months later and Dominguez has responded to the entreaties of coach Brad Johnstone and a suggested £10,000 per match appearance fee to guide the Azzurri once again.

Johnstone made no secret of his desperation to have Dominguez back in the fold. Four outhalves tried to fill the number 10 jersey in the interim and none to the coach's satisfaction. Italy lost to Samoa, Fiji and Canada, winning just one of their last six internationals. Johnstone, whose penchant of firing from the hip has seen him involved in several skirmishes with players and officials, is desperately trying to change the Italian mindset.

In preparation for the Irish game, Johnstone has concentrated on defence, an Achilles' heel last season. His predecessor, Frenchman Georges Costes, favoured a drift defence; Johnstone preaches the man-on-man: Italy were less porous under the former. Whether the New Zealander will win his battle remains to be seen but what is apparent is that the Italians are slowly bending under his will in terms of improved fitness and discipline.

They are working harder. Johnstone's main concern going into the Six Nations is that his team lacks experience, dithering between the introduction of new blood and desperately clinging to Dominguez, Troncon and Christian Stoica for inspiration. Dominguez recognises the tightrope that Italy must tread.

"The Italian team is very young, so this is a very difficult time. But we have good players so I'm sure the results will improve." How quickly? A victory over Ireland could be the catalyst: young players need confidence and confidence comes from winning. Italy will be at their most dangerous tomorrow, a point made by the Italian media.

The Six Nations offers a fresh slate. If they lose, then Johnstone will face a long season. But the memories of the Scottish game are strong, and buoyed by the fact that Ireland are a little shorthanded and have yet to win on Italian soil, the Azzurri won't be hampered by inferior feelings.