(ANSA) - Rome, March 2 - Italy captain Sergio Parisse has
hailed his side's 22-19 win over Scotland at the weekend as a
response to the stinging criticism that they have come under in
recent weeks.
Some voices in the British media even suggested that the
Azzurri were not doing enough to show they deserve a place in
the tournament after 26-3 and 47-17 defeats to Ireland and
England respectively in their first two matches this season.
"No one thought we'd win, not even the team staff and our
families. So hats off," Parisse said after Italy's second-ever
away win in the Six Nations.
"This victory is really good for us because, before the
match, you could hear lots of things about the team, the wooden
spoon, the international ranking and so on".
Parisse added that Italy will now face France and Wales in
their two final matches in Rome "with another attitude".
But he also said the Azzurri must cut down on costly
mistakes, like the poor pass by flyhalf Kelly Haimona that gave
Scotland centre Mark Bennett an easy try early on in Edinburgh
on Saturday.
Rugby: Italy see Scotland win as response to critics
Talk of Azzurri not deserving Six Nations place dispelled