Italy captain Michele Lamaro, Dino Lamb, Danilo Fischetti and Giacomo Nicotera discuss squad annoucnement

Michele Lamaro, captain and flanker

On the coming matches versus New Zealand and France being the 'dessert' Italy have been waiting for: 

"In the last two matches there has been lots of pressure but we are in the place we want to be now. This is the most beautiful moment of the tournament and we want to enjoy every moment of the opportunities in front of us. This is the dessert at the end of the meal and we want to put a cherry on top of the cake."

Dino Lamb, second-row

On not believing that the All Blacks are arrogant: 

"No. I am very aware they are a very physical side. Obviously, you say arrogance but rugby has a lot of physicality and mentally you've got to be in that sort of zone."

On having played the All Blacks just once at U20 level, when representing England: 

"My experience against the All Blacks was when we [England] played them in the final of the U20 [Rugby World Cup] tournament in Georgia [2017]. That was my first time seeing the haka and everything. So, I have had some experience but that was the juniors, this is a little different.

"There's no getting away from the fact it is the All Blacks, it is that black jersey and what it represents. But at the end of the day it is 23 players out there wearing that jersey. That's the challenge and we're prepared for that. We are in the best possible position now to take them on."

On taking advice from club teammate and England international Marcus Smith: 

"I've only been in touch with Marcus really on that front. I know the challenge but I'll probably give him a message after this, get some tips."

On whether he intends to play like fly-half Smith: 

"Yeah, well that sort of goose-step that he has and whether or not I can do that out wide, we'll have to wait and see."

Danilo Fischetti, prop (pictured)

On relishing the battle with the All Blacks:

"I really like the physical battle. I really like the pressure. We know how they are going to play."

On the reasons he loves rugby:

"I started because I like being part of a team, the spirit of all being important, of building relationships with your teammates that are going to last a lifetime." 

Giacomo Nicotera, hooker

On All Blacks hooker Dane Coles being his rugby hero:

"I've said this before, it's Dane Coles. He is 36, he has great experience, he is really physical. 

'We are not afraid of anyone but of course these are great players."

On his father being a huge All Blacks fan: 

"It was my dream for my father to play the All Blacks and it's been his dream for me to play the All Blacks [too]. He has asked me to get him an All Blacks jersey after the game."