ITALIAN rugby supremo Giancarlo Dondi has called on his players to build on their first away victory in the RBS 6 Nations Championship when they take on Wales in Rome on Saturday afternoon.

Italian rugby supremo Giancarlo Dondi has called on his players to build on their first away victory in the RBS 6 Nations Championship when they take on Wales in Rome on Saturday.

Italy rugby chief Giancarlo Dondi has demanded the Azzurri “battle to the death” when they take on Wales in their next RBS 6 Nations Championship outing as they go in search of a first win in this year's competition.

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL’S face told the story of a thousand concerns: on this form, Ireland could be destroyed by France in Paris on Saturday.

Giancarlo Dondi, the president of the Italian Rugby Federation, believes Pierre Berbizier’s men may surprise a few people in this year’s RBS 6 Nations.

PIERRE BERBIZIER has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Italian national team.

Pierre Berbizier has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Italian national team.

Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) president Giancarlo Dondi believes he will be in a position to name a new coach for the national team early next week.

Italy have parted with national team coach John Kirwan, the country’s rugby federation has confirmed.

Italy coach John Kirwan will know if he is to keep his job in two weeks after the sport’s governing body has mourned the death of Pope John Paul II.

Veteran scrum-half Alessandro Troncon has urged his Italy team-mates to put their mauling at the hands of France behind them and instead dedicate their time to closing the gap on the leading teams.

Italy may be one game away from the wooden spoon in the RBS 6 Nations but at least things are looking up in terms of popular support for the Azzurri – so much so they may need to find a larger stadium.

Italian rugby supremo Giancarlo Dondi has called on his side to finish the RBS 6 Nations in style, even though the Azzurri now look almost certain to end up with the wooden spoon.

ITALY winger Nicola Mazzucato insists his side will “fight like warriors” against Ireland and look to build on their momentous victory over Scotland a fortnight ago.

Italy winger Nicola Mazzucato insists his side will “fight like warriors” against Ireland and look to build on their momentous victory over Scotland a fortnight ago.

Italy have vowed to give England a baptism of fire in their first competitive match as world champions when the RBS 6 Nations tournament kicks off this weekend.

DESPERATE to find game-breaker Mat Rogers a starting position, Wallabies coach Eddie Jones is considering him at full-back for Australia’s opening World Cup clash with Argentina.

A SHORTAGE of cash will continue to hamper Italy’s progress in international rugby according to the Federation President Giancarlo Dondi.

Former Italian captain Alessandro Troncon has been banned for 21 days following his dismissal in last weekend’s Six Nations Championship clash against Ireland.