Italy ready to mix it with the best, claims Sergio Parisse

Italy skipper Sergio Parisse believes his team are now capable of beating anyone after their fourth-place finish in the Six Nations.

The Azzurri equalled their best-ever performance in the tournament with wins over France and Ireland, while they came close to a first win at Twickenham before losing 18-11.

Having kicked off the tournament with a second successive home win over les Bleus, they ended a run of three defeats with a 22-15 success over Ireland in their final game.

That allowed them to match their performance in 2007, when they beat Scotland and Wales, and after impressive displays in the autumn, Parisse is confident the future is bright.

He also explained that under Jacques Brunel the Azzurri have been prepared to employ a more ambitious style of play.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “It was a good Six Nations. Some expected a loss against France and a win against Wales but the results are a reflection of the squad: we can be good and play a dynamic style but we can also get it wrong. I’m like that as well.

“On the pitch I have a go, I enjoy myself and take chances. Now we can beat anyone and are getting the respect of the big teams.”