De Marigny confident of an Italian job

Italy full-back Roland De Marigny remains confident the Azzurri are capable of winning at least one game in this season’s RBS 6 Nations, after becoming a much-improved side under the stewardship of former All Black John Kirwan.

Battling performances in the home defeats by Ireland and Wales have given Italy hope they can avoid the wooden spoon for a third consecutive season.

De Marigny has targeted the February 26 clash with Scotland at Murrayfield as the fixture his side are most likely to triumph in, despite Italy never having won a Six Nations game on the road.

“We have certainly improved after the last World Cup; our coaching staff are doing a great job, and we really deserve at least one win in the Six Nations,” he said.

“The game at Murrayfield is very important for us in every respect. We are going to Scotland with the intention of dominating the game.

“I believe if we play like we did against the Irish and cut out the mistakes, then we are going to come back very happy and, of course, with a first away win in the tournament.

“However, we have to avoid a performance like the one in the second half against the Welsh – even if they did play well and deserved to win.”

The Parma full-back sees this season’s competition as the closest yet since the six-team format was introduced in 2000.

“I think this year’s tournament is pretty even with six strong teams which the difference between is minimal,” said De Marigny, who is back training after knee and ankle trouble suffered against Wales.

“The Italian weakness is more mental than physical or tactical, and if we can overcome our nerves I believe we can upset more than one team.”