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RUGBY WORLD CUP

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Scotland or bust for the Azzurri

Tuesday 03rd July 2007

Italy head coach Pierre Berbizier has underlined the importance of the final Rugby World Cup Pool C game against Scotland, saying it is the crucial match for his side's chances of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals later this year.

The Azzurri begin their campaign against favourites New Zealand on September 8 and also face Romania and Portugal before coming up against the Scots, whom they beat 37-17 at Murrayfield in this year's Six Nations.

"There is no point hiding it; the game against Scotland on September 29 in St Etienne will be vital to qualify for the quarter-finals," said Berbizier.

"Our target is to be ready at our best in September, and to do so we must work hard and keep up our discipline and determination."

The France legend is relishing the opportunity to show the world how much his side has progressed over the last two years.

"We started looking ahead to the World Cup, in summer 2005 in Argentina and Australia with the same selection of players," said Berbizier.

"Then gradually we introduced young players in the team, but without losing any experienced players.

"Then we became a competitive squad in the RBS 6 Nations 2006, and started to get results and good reviews in the press.

"Perhaps in the 2007 edition we showed we were on top of our game, as proved by victories against Scotland and Wales.

"Now we need to improve more, before the difficult opener against the All Blacks, in France in September."