ITA eve of match (v NAM): coach Goosen, centre Morisi, prop Ferrari

Comments from Italy defence coach Marius Goosen (pictured), inside-centre Luca Morisi and tight-head prop Simone Ferrari at a media briefing before their Pool A match on Saturday against Namibia.

Marius Goosen, defence coach

On his memories of beating Namibia 47-22 in the opening game of Rugby World Cup 2019:

"As a defence coach I never want to concede points. We started a bit slow in that game four years ago and we paid for that. Luckily we were good enough to come back in the game. I remember we scored just before half-time (and) just after half-time and took the game away from them."

On the lessons they learned from that match four years ago:

"At this level anything can punish you if you make mistakes. We are working really hard on our defence. Obviously we are playing the top countries in the world regularly so it's something we work really hard on. It is easy when you maybe play teams that probably don't play with the intensity of top teams to slack off a little bit, but it's something that we talked about, something that we want to get right, even in these games. 

"We've got maximum respect for Namibia, they've got a good set-piece. There are some good players in that team, a lot of experience. They've played a lot of Super Rugby and Currie Cup and they've got a very good coaching team. 

"We are definitely not underestimating them. We've got to be on top of our game defensively." 

On the game-plan against Namibia:

"Against Romania and Japan (Italy's final two Rugby World Cup 2023 warm-up matches) we developed the strategy we want to use tomorrow. 

"It's important to concentrate on what we can do. We played well against Japan and we want to do the same tomorrow."

Luca Morisi, inside-centre 

On his memories of playing Namibia four years ago:

"I remember the game well. I still see players who were playing (for Namibia) and four years later they are more experienced. But we will concentrate on our side. 

"We can't leave them chances to get into the game.

"I have got more experience and I know I am better prepared on an emotional level."

On being glued to France v New Zealand on Friday night, just like everyone else: 

"We will surely all be watching it, everyone will be watching it! It will be a beautiful game, these games are a pleasure to watch." 

Simone Ferrari, tight-head prop

On how the evolution of Italy's attacking game has reached the front-row too:

"Over the last four years we have evolved a lot in our attacking game, playing the ball more and getting into parts of the field we didn't used to play in.

"Everyone's skills have gone up, even the forwards. We hope to express our skills more and more on the field.

"In the group there is a lot of enthusiasm, we really want to play our best. Attack is still the area we can improve the most. This spirit of enjoyment is real though."