Saturday 4 February 2017 13:51, UK
Sergio Parisse says Italy must keep their intensity for the full 80 minutes in this year's Six Nations, starting against Wales on Sunday.
The Azzurri have won just 12 of their 85 Six Nations Tests since joining the tournament in 2000 and have finished with the wooden spoon on 11 occasions.
Opening opponents Wales have won the last two Six Nations meetings between the two side by scoring over 60 points on both occassions and Italy have not beaten Sunday's visitors since 2007.
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones and Parisse are the only survivors from that match in the starting XVs and the Italian skipper says it is vital his side do not wilt away after the hour mark.
"Alun Wyn Jones was there when we beat Wales in 2007, but now the two teams are very different," said Parisse.
"There is no link between the two games. I am happy to remember that day because of the great result, but it is now in the past.
"We have to be positive, and we are happy to begin another Six Nations campaign against Wales.
"This year, we have prepared for Wales in a different way. It's different to the way we prepared against South Africa and Tonga in November. We have trained very hard physically this week, and worked as hard as we can for this game.
"We deserve to be in this tournament because of the results we have had in the Six Nations. The wins we have had over Ireland, Scotland and Wales will remain in the memory, but now we are looking ahead and hoping to build our own history.
"The introduction of bonus points in the Six Nations won't change the way we play, but maybe it will change the approach of other teams against us.
"We are trying to make sure we don't slow down at the 60-minute mark. It is important we play for the full 80 minutes."
Under the new coaching team of former Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea and ex-England coach Mike Catt, Italy secured a historic victory over South Africa in November and head into Sunday with a newfound optimism.
Ten of that starting XV have been selected to face Wales, including Parisse who will win his 122nd cap.
"As always when we play against Wales I expect a tough, very physical game," Parisse added. "They play with a lot of speed, so it won't be different this time.
"Our approach is not about winning or losing, it's about the performance.
"In the last two years against Wales, we have had tough results both in Rome and Cardiff. I am really confident we can put in a good performance tomorrow, and if we do that for 80 minutes then we will do well.
"We approach the match with the intent to produce 80 minutes of intensity. We have the quality to get the result."
