Bortolami hoping Azzurri keep feet on the ground

Italy captain Marco Bortolami believes the national rugby team players must keep their feet firmly on the ground but can now look to the future with optimism.

The Azzurri were greeted as heroes by 10,000 fans in Rome’s historic Piazza del Popolo following yesterday’s final RBS 6 Nations game against Ireland.

Pierre Berbizier’s men may have lost 51-24 at the Stadio Flaminio to finish fourth but they finish with their best record since joining the tournament in 2000.

Saturday’s setback provided a low-key end to what has been an otherwise impressive tournament for the Italians, after wins against Scotland in Murrayfield and a home triumph against Wales.

The triumph in Edinburgh was the first tournament win away from the Eternal City for the Azzurri since they joined the competition.

“This defeat is not a step back,” said 26-year-old lock Bortolami. “Let’s not forget that Ireland play the best rugby in Europe even if they lost against France.

“We have scored two tries against Ireland and this can only give us confidence for the future.”

Italy have shown a big improvement since their opening 39-3 defeat to France.

They produced a good display against world champions England in Twickenham, losing 20-7, before beating Scotland 37-17 and then edging Wales 23-20.

Berbizier’s men can take some positives from the tournament as they look ahead to this summer’s World Cup in France – the Italians begin the competition against the mighty New Zealand All Blacks on September 8.

“I believe we have played a good Six Nations,” said Bortolami.

“We’ve always maintained that we must improve and we will continue to work hard in order to be better.

“We hope that the fans will continue to support us in our next competitions and we must be confident for the World Cup.”

Frenchman Berbizier said: “I want to thank my team.

“My players have given everything until the end of the game. Unfortunately will doesn’t win you games.

“We simply have to compliment Ireland, in the first half we have had opportunities but it’s difficult to get back into the game when you are losing against them.”

Italian rugby has enjoyed a high profile during this year’s Six Nations on the back of their improved performances and the sport’s reputation for good crowd behaviour at a time when the country’s favourite sport, football, has been rocked by scandal and violence.

Even Italian prime minister Romano Prodi, who met the team earlier in the week, has declared himself a fan of the sport.