Six Nations: 'Ireland best in northern hemisphere' says Italy's captain

Sergio Parisse says Ireland are currently the strongest international team in the northern hemisphere.

But the Italy skipper believes they are still beatable and is hopeful of an upset when they open their campaign against the defending champions in Rome on Saturday, February 7.

Last year Ireland enjoyed victories over South Africa and Australia in the autumn series and ended 2014 ranked No 3 in the world.

Looking ahead to the clash at the Stadio Olimpico, Parisse said: "Ireland are probably the best team in the northern hemisphere and it is a chance for us to play them at home.

"Everyone saw how Ireland played in November. They are a very complete team, they have good backs, good forwards, they are very dynamic especially in terms of defence.

"They are good at the turnover, at building mauls and getting in front of teams. They are a difficult team to play against.

"I know they have some injuries but they will arrive with a very competitive side. As Italians, we are not at the same level as Ireland.

"We beat them two years ago but last year they won by 40 points in Dublin. It is important for us to be competitive and see if we are really, really far from them. It is important because we are going to play them in a few months' time at the World Cup.

"It is important for us mentally to know we can beat these teams. If we play 100 games against Ireland we would probably lose 98, so we have a small opportunity to beat them but we have to play every match with this ambition.

"We have to try to be competitive against every team we play at the Six Nations."