ITA eve of match (v FRA): coach Moretti, Negri, Bruno

Comments from Italy scrum coach Andrea Moretti, blindside flanker Sebastian Negri and wing Pierre Bruno at a media briefing ahead of their final Pool A match versus France at OL Stadium on Friday, 6 October.

Andrea Moretti, scrum coach

On the priorities for his team against France: 

"First thing we want to show is our identity, which is not the one we've shown against the All Blacks. Each one of us knows we have to show better of ourselves to the world and the first thing is showing that Italy is not that team - in terms of attitude, in terms of ability to handle the pressure. [We must] make sure that under pressure we are going to be composed and believe that what we are going to do are the things that are going to help us perform against France."

On not changing their preparation but understanding and accepting what went wrong versus New Zealand:

"I don't think it is about what we have changed because in the way we prepared for the All Blacks and the way we are preparing (for) each test match - because that is what is required - it is to know your job, study the opposition, work on yourself to make sure you are prepared technically, physically and mentally. In that concern, nothing has changed. 

"Obviously there is adaptation because France play different than New Zealand in certain areas of the pitch. But what I think is important and what we failed (in) against the All Blacks is under pressure we actually choked. And we have to accept that because we can't change that, that is already gone. That is a good lesson for us, we've never been in that situation before. It's not acceptable and we're waiting to tomorrow to show (that)."

On how the squad has felt through this tough week:

"Once you have a setback, it's always hard in the beginning, whatever happens to you. We were gutted because we let down, first, ourselves as players and staff, and all the people that were waiting to see what Italy could bring against the All Blacks. 

"There is a moment where you have to feel shame but, like I said, then you have to bounce back; that's what life teaches you and that's what rugby is all about. So, we are lucky that we have another chance. 

"For some of the players that won't be involved this week, their last chance was against the All Blacks so we want to make sure that we also commit and play for those players that haven't got the chance this week."

On whether the New Zealand defeat showed the current level of Italian rugby:

"This is a really silly question because this team has played 26 test matches before (that) happened. Each one of us in life has had a problem or have found themselves in a difficult situation but that doesn't define you. What defines you is how you react to these situations. You can feel down on yourself, which is fair enough, but the way we react is (how) we define ourselves."

Sebastian Negri, blindside flanker

On being desperate to get on the pitch and put things right: 

"Excited. I think it's been a really good week after a difficult performance against New Zealand. We've kept positive, we've dusted ourselves off and the boys are really excited to showcase what this team is about. I can't wait.

"We've forgotten about New Zealand. We had a short review on it but our immediate focus has been on France. It's another massive opportunity for us. We are not thinking about what's happened; we are thinking about the future and what we can control, and that starts tomorrow at 9:00 pm."

On what the team learned from the New Zealand defeat:

"That we've got to focus more on our process and not the outcome. We all let ourselves down in different ways, not sticking to our roles and lost that physical edge too. 

"It's about sticking together too, that's a big lesson. You guys can say whatever you want but it's important we stick together. Tomorrow, I know we are going to put together a performance we are proud of."

Pierre Bruno, winger

On how it feels to be called into the team after the New Zealand defeat: 

"Obviously, it's very emotional from my perspective. I am happy to play this game alongside my teammates, my brothers and the plan for us is to get back the respect from the rugby world."

On what the keys will be for success against France: 

"In my opinion the breakdown will be crucial and the tactics around the breakdown. This will be key to start playing our own rugby.

"It is going to be key for us to do our best on the pitch, collectively and as individuals, and then we will see the result in the end."