Six Nations: Sergio Parisse says Italy can upset England at Twickenham
Friday 13 February 2015 21:06, UK
Italy captain Sergio Parisse believes England could be over-confident and vulnerable in Saturday's Six Nations match at Twickenham.
England's stunning 21-16 victory at Wales put down a major marker last Friday, and they are expected to hammer the Azzurri, who were well beaten at home by Ireland last weekend.
Parisse accepts England were impressive at the Millennium Stadium but hopes to exploit a chink in their armour.
"England have won a huge battle in a very unfriendly stadium and they may lack a bit of focus when they face us," the Italy captain said.
"I'm not saying they will underestimate us, but clearly after such a crucial win there is the risk that their attention to detail will be a bit more relaxed.
"We watched them play Wales and we've seen what everybody else has - they are a strong, in-form team.
"They are filled with young, exciting talent and they won a high-intensity encounter so clearly this will be tough for us.
"But we are looking at the challenge as a chance to prove to ourselves we are still a competitive team. Mentally we may arrive there more prepared than we have been in the past."
The Azzurri arguably have a bigger battle to fight in the shape of their possible wooden spoon decider against Scotland on February 28, but Parisse knows a strong showing at Twickenham will lift spirits for Edinburgh.
"We just have to stay focused on our game and play the next opponents," the No 8 said.
"A convincing game against England will help us get back on the right track and look at the Murrayfield challenge with confidence.
"We must be focused on turning the tide and we must do so in a very difficult place to play. We need to get ball in hand more and try to concentrate for the whole 80 minutes."
