Canavosio hopeful 'perfect game'

Italy scrum-half Pablo Canavosio knows his team must play the perfect game if they are to surprise unbeaten France in the RBS 6 Nations.

Canavosio came off the bench to score the crucial try against Scotland in the Azzurri's 16-12 triumph in Rome a fortnight ago.

That was Italy's first win in the Six Nations since March 2008.

'The win against Scotland gave the team a big boost in confidence,' said Canavosio.

'I watched my try against Scotland but above all, I and the rest of my team-mates have focused this week on the mistakes we made in the game against them in order to improve in view of Sunday's match.

'Now we cannot make any mistake against France. We must play a perfect game.'

The French are favourites to win the Grand Slam although they will expect a very hard game against England in Paris in their final game.

Canavosio believes Italy can build on their recent impressive performances and make life difficult for Les Bleus.

Since losing their opener in Ireland, Nick Mallett's men have shown a vast improvement on the pitch in their last two matches.

The Azzurri lost 17-12 to England in Rome before prevailing against the Scots.

'I am certain that we will all give our best,' said Canavosio. 'We will try to impose our game.

'In the end, we will see which team is better on the pitch.'

Canavosio predicts the game at the Stade de France against Marc Lievremont's side will be a battle from start to finish.

Les Bleus beat Wales 26-20 in Cardiff last month to retain their 100 per cent record in the competition.

'They have a very strong team,' said Canavosio.

'(Scrum-half Morgan) Parra and (fly-half Francois) Trinh-Duc are a great pair.

'They know each other from playing together in the youth national teams and they make the French national team play great rugby.

'Parra knows how to guide well a strong team like Clermont, while Trinh-Duc kicks well and is unpredictable.'

The Italians will be hoping Leicester Tigers prop Martin Castrogiovanni, who missed yesterday's training session with a muscular problem, is fit to feature.