IT is either a brave man, or, someone with the inside track on what is going on within the Italian camp, who predicts that 2017 could be one of the Azzurri’s best Six Nations ever. Thankfully, Carlo Del Fava qualifies on both counts.

And the former Italian international, now back in his “native” South Africa coaching in Durban with the Sharks, believes Italy and their coach Conor O’Shea put down a marker in the Autumn Tests they now must live up to.

“I commentated on the Autumn Tests for the world feed in November and got to spend a lot of time with Conor ahead of those matches.

“He, and fellow coaches Mike Catt and Brendan Venter, have initiated a really positive and relaxed environment around the players and the camp that I never experienced, and, you honestly get the impression they all feel they are capable of just about anything,” admitted Del Fava, capped 54-times by Italy, who during his career played in these isles with Ulster and Newcastle Falcons.

“The thoroughness of the messages from O’Shea, Catt and Venter – everything from what they

do with the ball in their own 22, to the protection the half-backs get around the fringes, the works, is so clear and concise that the message gets through to everyone, regardless of how many caps you have.

“That really came to the fore against the South Africans. Italy lost heavily to New Zealand, which can happen to anyone, but they had really targeted beating the Springboks and his preparations were spot on, from giving the players a day off on the Wednesday, to ramping up the intensity on the Friday.

“His philosophy was so infectious, so thorough, so black and white, that the Italians responded wonderfully, having lost by over 50 points to the All Blacks one week, they came back to score a historic victory over South Africa in Florence.

“That made a lot of people sit up and take notice. Of course, being Italian, they lost the following week to Tonga! But there were causes for that, or one in particular.”

That singular reason was the absence, through suspension, of Italy’s inspirational and talismanic captain, Sergio Parisse.

“When he isn’t there, Italy’s performance drops. It could be a belief thing, a confidence thing, who knows. But he is 100 per cent for the Six Nations and he has so much to play for individually as well. He is only second to Brian O’Driscoll in terms of minutes played in the Six Nations, and could have that record to himself by the end of the championship.

“When you think of all the players, all the greats, the legends, who have played in this tournament, that is a staggering statistic. He has been a world-class performer for some time, and Italy just feeds off his commitment. He’s like Andy Murray; from nowhere, in a sport, and from a country that had nothing like him previously, he is just a stand-out athlete.

“You can see why Stade Francais are already introducing him in to coaching and managerial roles, and want him at the highest level in the club when he decides to retire. He could be anything, Italian Prime Minister,” laughed Del Fava.

However, he knows first game up, against Wales on Sunday, will be no laughing matter.

“Italy always play better in Rome, and we need to use that advantage in this game, and, versus Ireland a week later. In terms of squad, Conor O’Shea hasn’t deviated much from the tried and tested. Dario Christolini is recalled at prop, but he’s been there before, and the only uncapped player is Federico Ruzza, who is selected on merit and potential for the future.

“Who he goes with at half-back could be key. For me, Giorgio Bronzini should be at scrum-half. He’s come a long way since when I played with him and he couldn’t pass off his left hand!

“He got the No.9 jersey on merit, playing in all three Tests in the autumn, ahead of Edoardo Gori who he has also ousted at Treviso, but Gori starts against the Welsh. Carlo Canna has to be stand-off. We have to decide on one and keep faith with him, and for me that is the Zebre man.

“His job would be made a lot easier with Exeter’s Michele Campagnaro at centre, but he has only made the bench. He is a good man to have in the midfield.

"He’s big, and strong and balanced and has a good presence. Injuries since moving to England haven’t helped, but he is a good user of the ball and has an eye for a break.”

“We’ve fought with the Scots for the Wooden Spoon in recent years, but they’ve moved on and I’m optimistic we’ve done the same. Our home games – Wales and Ireland - will be key.

“It could be the perfect start – or one you don’t recover from.”