Berbizier laments Italian errors

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier believes his team only had themselves to blame for their poor showing in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations opener.

The Italians conceded a 39-3 defeat against defending champions France in Rome.

A Ramiro Pez penalty was the only response the Italians could muster against Les Bleus.

“We failed to make the most of our chances, we knew we had to avoid making mistakes and we failed to do that,” said Berbizier.

“When you play against a top team like France you are bound to be punished.”

The Azzurri could have gone 6-0 up with five minutes played but they missed two easy penalties.

Fly-half Andrea Scanavacca missed the first when he slipped as he kicked

And, after he passed up kicking duties to Roland De Marigny, the full-back also skewed an attempt wide.

“That would have been an ideal situation,” said Berbizier.

“We had two try opportunities and we missed two penalties early on and up to that point we had played well.

“We knew that playing against a team like France our chances would be limited but we had them and we didn’t take advantage.

“We didn’t take them and France gained confidence after that.”

A stray pass from Sergio Canale and a forward pass from Andrea Masi led to France’s first two tries.

“There’s very little to say after the performance we have given today,” said captain Marco Bortolami.

“Had we done things right we would have been able to stay in the game and have a chance.

“But we cannot throw in the towel, this is only our first game and there are more games left to play.

“We must remain positive for our next game.”

Berbizier now faces an arduous task of picking his players up as Italy travel to Twickenham next weekend to face Italy.

“For me it’s important that we continue to work hard,” he said.

“We have to try to learn from our mistakes and improve, we have time. Playing against good teams is the only way we can do that.

“We will have to work hard this week and go to Twickenham with the same fighting spirit.

“Against England, we have to play, not wait for our opponents to hit us.”

Berbizier revealed Scanavacca will undergo further tests on Monday to confirm the extent of an injury.

Scanavacca was replaced in the 12th minute after a rib injury.

Sergio Parisse and Gonzalo Canale should be available to play against England as they sustained minor injuries during Saturday’s clash.