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Berbizier wants improvement

Sergio Parisse is forced into action at number six

When Italy take on Portugal on Wednesday they will be looking to set the standards for their final Pool C clash against Scotland.

Having struggled for form so far in a defeat to New Zealand and a less than convincing display against Romania, they know the game with Portugal is their last chance to hit their straps before taking on Scotland.

Pierre Berbizier has seen signs that the performance is almost there, but he wants to see his team push on against Portugal.

"I saw a good reaction in Marseille during the first few minutes of our match against Romania," he told Stuff.co.nz.

"We started playing really well and we showed the reaction that I want. Now we have to keep up that level we showed in the early stages of the match against Romania."

"We will continue to work on that. A match in this competition requires a huge mental preparation and we expect to develop that aspect in the best possible way."

With only seven of the side from the clash with Romania retained Berbizier admitted he was forced into several changes due to injuries.

"There are some injured players and we made our decision with that in mind," said Berbizier.

"Alessandro Zanni is injured so is Josh Sole, so that's why Sergio Parisse will have to play as number six and not as number eight like he always does.

"He's done that for us before. It's not ideal, but we have to adapt to the situation."