World Ranking: 10.

COACH: Massimo Mascioletti. Previously assistant to George Coste, he took over only last July after the latter's departure following 101-0 defeat in Durban. Veteran winger from 1977 to 1990, scoring 17 tries in his 54 tests, Mascioletti won the Campionato twice as a player with L'Aquila in '81 and '82, and then once, improbably, as a coach in '94 when they beat a then all-conquering Milan side containing 11 internationals plus Australian stars Jason Little and Tim Gavin. TACTICAL TURN: The nucleus of the team that peaked in '97 and '98 is still together but they now look to be entering a very unsure, transitional phase. Though pacey and inventive amongst the backs, they relied on a mauling, abrasive pack and the boot of Dominguez in their last performance of note in seriously extending England to a 23-15 win in Huddersfield last November.

STAR TURN: Diego Dominguez. Like the team, the Argentinian-born out-half is possibly past his peak now at 33, with 53 caps and 728 points to his name. Three or four years ago was conceivably the best out-half in the world. Still calls the shots and a true stylist, with immaculate kicking game and varied running game. Never seems to get tackled.

VERDICT: Plummeting form and transitional phase suggests the Azzuri will be hard-pressed to better their record of one win per World Cup. They'll need to run up a big score against the Tongan big-hitters, and hope that no other third-placed side manages more than two points and scores more points in the process. First round exit likely.

FINAL THOUGHTS: "We think that Italy can demonstrate in its participation a great showing and add a lot of value to the World Cup."

- Franco Cumino (Italian manager).