Italy

8:40 am on 9 September 2011

Italy have played in every World Cup and have failed to get past pool play.

In 1987 they opened the tournament against the hosts New Zealand who went on a rampage, scoring 12 tries in a 70-6 victory.

The Azzuri have managed a win at every tournament, but will need to win three this time if they want to make the quarter-finals for the first time.

Their South African coach Nick Mallett says that is their aim.

Mallett welcomes back the experienced flanker Mauro Bergamasco, who last played for them in the 2010 Six Nations before suffering a long term injury.

Bergamasco will, along with prop Andrea Lo Cicero, be playing in his fourth Rugby World Cup, in contrast to nearly half of the squad who will be appearing on the sport's greatest stage for the first time.

Watch out also for their inspirational number 8 Sergio Parisse.

Italy finished last in this year's Six Nations, running Ireland and Wales close and beating France for the first time at home.

Italy open their campaign against Australia in Auckland on 11 September, before taking on Russia, USA and Ireland in the match that is likely to decide the other qualifier from the group.