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Pierre Berbizier: 'Le Patron'
Home stadium: Stadio de Flaminio, Rome (24,973)
Nickname: Azzurri
Number of rugby players in the country: 45,376
National rugby website address: www.federugby.it
Current national champions: Benetton Treviso
Strengths: Like their footballing compatriots, the Italians have a sense of flair about their game. With new coach Pierre Berbizier at the helm he has started to change the Azzurri game to that of a team-orientated style. If they are able to mix their flair with their all-round play, the team should finally be able to break their Pool stage hoodoo.
Weaknesses: Italy have been known to play a one-dimensional forward style in recent years. Although coach Berbizier has started to lead them away from that limiting style, if it does creep back into their play, they will pay the ultimate price.
History in the tournament: 1987 - group stages; 1991 - group stages; 1995 - group stages;1999 - group stages; 2003 - group stages.
Prediction: Italy have the best chance of qualifying from the Pool stages for the first time in their history. Although they have been drawn with the mighty New Zealand, the Pool is otherwise open. Their clash with Scotland will be the decider for second place, although the Azzurri should fancy themselves. If they do manage to qualify from Pool C it will be down to them as to how far they progress. The sky is the limit for the Azzurri this time around.
Coach: Pierre Berbizier took over the Azzurri hot seat from John Kirwan after the Six Nations tournament in 2005, inheriting a squad which lacked that little bit extra in order to fulfill its potential. Nick-named 'Le Patron', Berbizier was in charge of the French team which won the Five Nations Championship in 1993. The former international scrum-half will be looking to take the Italians to the next level come the World Cup in September, a job which he is more than capable of doing.
Key player: Mauro Bergamasco is seen as a key member of the Italian back row. Although he predominantly plays as an open side flanker he has been known to fill in on the wing, making him an indispensable member of the squad. The Stade Français star may be coming towards the end of his career, but what he lacks in the pace department he makes up for with his energy and never-say-die attitude.
Captain: Marco Bortolami was made Italy's youngest captain in 2003 when he led the Azzurri into battle against the All Blacks. The lock made his international debut against Namibia in 2001 at the tender age of 20. His motivational skills came to the fore during the 2007 Six Nations tournament when he led his side to their first away victory in the competition. He plays for and captains Guinness Premiership side Gloucester in England.
One To Watch: Mirco Bergamasco is the younger brother of Mauro, but he is in no way living in the shadow of his elder sibling. The centre was hailed for his performances during the 2006 Six Nations, where he scored three tries in five matches. The Stade Français star, who can also play on the wing or at full-back, will be hoping to put his 2003 World Cup injury blow behind him and go on to help his country record a creditable finish.
Team Nemesis: France are seen as the Azzurri's closest rivals. Although the French are miles ahead in terms of development and ability, their clashes during the annual Six Nations tournament are often heated affairs.
Likely headlines: 'Bergamasco boys save Azzurri'
Price of a pint: Around E4.45
Rugby player/sheep ratio: 1:256
