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Ireland are buoyant after beating France in their opening match

Ireland travel to Rome with an unchanged team after their impressive opening win over France last weekend.

The thrilling Croke Park victory over the French has prompted talk that the Six Nations finale on 21 March in Wales could be a Grand Slam decider.

But for now Declan Kidney's side must focus on accounting for an Italian side that underachieved at Twickenham.

Italian coach Nick Mallett reacted to the defeat by making four changes in personnel and two further switches.

Paul Griffen returns at scrum-half in a predictable move after Mallett's decision to deploy flanker Mauro Bergamasco at number nine seriously backfired in the 36-11 defeat by England.

606: DEBATE I personally feel the Irish have become favourites for the tournament! Proudleinsterman

Bergamasco returns to his customary open-side role while Luke McLean is in at fly-half for the injured Andrea Macarto.

Also in the backs, the younger Bergamasco brother, Mirco, moves from the wing to his normal position at outside centre, with Matteo Pratichetti taking the number 11 jersey and Gonzalo Garcia dropping to the bench.

Injured lock Marco Bortolami is replaced by Tommaso Reato.

After his torrid afternoon at Twickenham, Mauro Bergamasco says he is "read to play a great game at flanker".

Mauro Bergamasco played at scrum-half when Italy lost to England

"But the group, without me saying anything, has allowed me to regain my confidence."

Irish confidence should be high after the victory over France and much will be expected of their talent-laden backs department at the Stadio Flaminio.

Among them is Paddy Wallace at inside centre who was reported to be under pressure for his place after Gordon D'Arcy came on as a replacement and scored a fine try at Croke Park.

But Wallace himself performed capably before needing treatment for a facial injury and D'Arcy will continue as a more-than-handy impact substitute.

Ireland were not convincing in their last meeting with Italy, winning 16-11 in the opening game of the 2008 championship at Croke Park.

But Ireland traditionally perform well in Rome.

RECENT MEETINGS 2008: Ireland 16-11 Italy 2007 (pre-WC): Ire 23-20 Italy 2007: Italy 24-51 Ireland 2006: Ireland 26-16 Italy 2005: Italy 17-28 Ireland 2004: Ireland 19-3 Italy

Coach Declan Kidney, aware of the Italians' reputation for retaining possession, has warned his Irish players to expect a tough examination on Sunday.

"When you go into a match like Sunday you can't be too surprised if we'll have only 40% possession because when they get it they hold it for long periods of time," said Kidney.

"If your discipline isn't right up there, they'll pick off their points and it could become a very difficult day."

Mallett says he is looking for a great performance and something the Azzuri fans will remember for the rest of their lives.

Ireland are more dangerous than England with the ball in hand Italy coach Nick Mallett

"During the week we've worked hard, the atmosphere has been calm and the players are well up for it," said Mallett.

"Everyone is desperate to play a great match against Ireland and give our fans something to cheer about.

"Over the last year with Kidney as the new coach they've improved a lot.

"They're more dangerous than England with the ball in hand and for us to take home the points we're going to have to put in a faultless performance."

Italy will surely play better than last weekend and the home team's front five are likely to give their Irish counterparts plenty to think about.

But it will be a massive upset if Ireland slip up in Rome, a venue where they have won four out of four and by an average of 20 points.

Italy: A Masi; K Robertson, G Canale, Mi Bergamasco, M Pratichetti; L McLean, P Griffen; S Perugini, F Ongaro, M Castrogiovanni; S Dellape, T Reato; A Zanni, Ma Bergamasco, S Parisse. Replacements: C Festuccia, C Nieto, C del Fava, J Sole, G Toniolatti, G Garcia, A Bacchetti.

Ireland: R Kearney; Bowe, B O'Driscoll (capt), P Wallace, Fitzgerald; O'Gara, O'Leary; Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Ferris, D Wallace, Heaslip. Replacements: R Best, Court, O'Kelly, Leamy, Stringer, D'Arcy, G Murphy.

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