Italy's defensive co-ordinator Grant Doorey is looking forward to seeing his two centres clash with exciting Irish pair Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy on Sunday.
O'Driscoll and D'Arcy are rated as the leading centre partnership in the world but Doorey insists opposite numbers Gonzalo Canale and Andrea Masi will be ready for them in the RBS 6 Nations opener in Rome.
Doorey, a former Australia team manager and rugby league player, has been impressed by Canale and Masi and believes they can form a formidable partnership.
Doorey said: "D'Arcy was the best Irish player in the last RBS 6 Nations, he is a great attacker and a very dangerous defender.
"As for Brian O'Driscoll, there is nothing to say anymore, for years he has been perhaps the most respected centre in international rugby. He is a warrior in defence and very dangerous with ball in hand - you never know what he can do.
"They really make a great partnership, but we also have two players with enormous quality in Gonzalo Canale and Andrea Masi. Both players are wonderful in a tackle situation, they are two great players who are waiting with great patience for this RBS 6 Nations.
"This could be a battle between two great couples and Sunday's match promises fireworks from those players," he said. "Our defensive line worked hard and well this week and now we are ready to face the Irish."
