Azzurri ‘have taken giant strides’

ITALY general manager Marco Bollesan believes this year’s RBS 6 Nations Championship has been the Azzurri’s most successful to date.

Despite failing to win a game, Italy turned in some creditable performances, including their first point away from home in the 18-18 draw with Wales.

Pierre Berbizier’s men also came away from their games with Scotland, France, Ireland and England with their pride intact - something that could not be said previously.

“This has been the best Six Nations tournament, even though we finished bottom of the standings,” Bollesan said.

“We grew up a lot compared with previous tournaments and competed in all the games with more determination and less weakness than ever.”

Italy also suffered their fair share of bad luck. They were unfortunate to have a try awarded against them against Ireland when winger Tommy Bowe appeared not to have grounded the ball properly.

Ireland went on to claim a 26-16 win, and Bollesan admitted he was frustrated by some of the decisions.

“We lost some games in tight situations because of the decision of the referee - like in Ireland.

“I really believe we lost in Dublin because the referee wasn’t at his best and even the local press said the Azzurri deserved to win.

“Against England we went close to victory.

” I’m not sure France deserved to beat us, and it was our own fault we didn’t beat Wales.”