Castrogiovanni: We’re not afraid of Ireland

After securing a bonus point victory over the USA Eagles, Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni insists his team are not intimidated by the challenge facing them when they come up against Declan Kidney’s Ireland on October 2.

Italy’s four try victory over the USA has rendered their game against Ireland a winner-takes-all affair, provided Australia do what is expected of them and earn a bonus point win over Russia.

Knowing that their future in the World Cup depends on the 80 minutes they put in against Ireland will add intensity to the Italian performance according to Castrogiovanni.

"We are not afraid of anything. We want to make it a long, long day for them," he told BBC Sport.

"We will have to put pressure on them in every position. It will be a war in the forwards and the backs. We have a really good backline as well. It's always a war - it's rugby."

The Leicester forward is renowned for getting in opponents’ faces on the pitch but was quick to voice his respect for Ireland, something which Italy coach Nick Mallett neglected to do when he stated his side has a better front row than Ireland.

"Sometimes he (Mallett) talks too much," joked Castrogiovanni.

"The Irish scrum proved against Australia how good they are and they will be ready for that battle.

"Healy has been really good for them and has improved a lot. He's one of the best at the moment. I think they will come to attack us - but we are ready for the challenge, we like that.

"We know we are the underdogs. They beat Australia deservedly, so they are the favourites. We know they are the better team.”