Parisse demands Paris improvement
Back on his feet: Parisse itching for Italian response
Italy captain Sergio Parisse has called on his side to banish memories of their second-half capitulation to Wales when they take on France in Paris on Sunday.
The Azzurri conceded 34 unanswered points after the break at the Millennium Stadium two weeks ago to slip to their third straight defeat in the 2008 Six Nations Championship.
And they face an even tougher test this weekend against a French side still seething from their shock loss to England which dashed their Grand Slam hopes - and against whom Italy have never won a Six Nations match.
"France has not been a successful place for us over the past few years," the Stade Francais star said, speaking to sports daily L'Equipe.
"Paris isn't the ideal place for us to find our feet again. But, on the other hand, what we showed in Cardiff did not reflect the true face of Italian rugby. It is up to us to demonstrate that this weekend."
Italy coach Nick Mallett, a former Stade Francais boss, is also in confident mood ahead of the clash.
"It's obviously going to be a very difficult game for Italy against France, who have a lot of good players," he said.
"But we have watched the videos and I'm sure my players will do much better than the second half against Wales."
Italy have not lost all five of their Six Nations games since 2005, but failure to cause an upset against Les Bleus, would heap the pressure on their final game at home to Scotland if they are to keep that run going.
The team will come up against a number of unfamiliar faces in Paris as the hosts have turned to youth in response to their humbling by England.
Flankers Ibrahim Diarra and Fulgence Ouedraogo, number-eight Louis Picamoles and fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc have racked up just eight caps between them, but Parisse insists their presence does not make his side's task any easier.
"The Diarras, Ouedraogos, Picamoles and Trinh-Ducs of this world do not have a lot of experience, but they are the men in form at the moment. And they represent the future of French rugby," Parisse explained.