Pierre Berbizier, the Italy coach, has advised Scotland to prepare themselves for their most miserable World Cup campaign yet.
The Scots have never failed to reach the last eight of the event, while the Italians have yet to progress beyond the group stage. Berbizier, though, is convinced both records will change when the sides meet in St Etienne.
The Frenchman believes the teams will arrive with identical results to their names - wins against Romania and Portugal, along with defeat at the hands New Zealand - and admits he will be treating the encounter as their own mini final.
"The Scotland game is the big one, probably the biggest in the history of Italian rugby," he said ahead of the Italian's game with the All Blacks on Saturday. "I see it as a direct play-off to decide which of us will get into the quarter finals, and I am sure it will be us.
"Being in the last eight has been our dream and I know we can achieve it at Scotland's expense. We want to challenge the big teams and build on what we have achieved in the Six Nations, which includes regular wins against the Scots, including the most recent match at Murrayfield which was our first away success.
"This is our philosophy for the World Cup - to seek to take further steps forward. I hope in every match, you will see an Italy that wants to challenge everybody."
Berbizier revealed his players are showing signs of tension but added: "There should be tension and nerves when you are about to face the most powerful team in the world."
However, the Scots are also in confident mood, with Jason White, the captain, refusing to be daunted by either the tough group and a poor Six Nations campaign as the side prepare to fly to France.
The squad travel today for their opener against Portugal on Sunday and although they face a stiff test to emerge from a section with both Italy and New Zealand, the flanker sees signs of encouragement.
"The Six Nations was tough but a lot of younger players played their first campaign, so we've now got more strength in depth," said the Sale Sharks forward. "There is a lot of rugby to be played, but we'll look to target every game as a win. Who knows what we can achieve? We want to go as far as we can and spring some surprises."
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