The inspirational No8 missed last year’s RBS 6 Nations clash in Rome through suspension after insulting a referee and he admits that watching his side lose 26-9 at the Stadio Olimpico was tough to take.
Parisse plans to make amends in Cardiff in this year’s Championship opener, even though he says his side will have to be at their very best if they want to be celebrating an upset in Cardiff.
“It was difficult when I missed the match against Wales for the national team last year, especially as I am captain. It wasn’t a good memory, so I would like to change that this year,” said Parisse.
“I have a lot of respect for the Welsh team. I like the way they play rugby. The Millennium stadium is a wonderful place to play and I’m really excited. Personally, it’s another great match.
“We know we aren’t the favourites – everyone expects Wales to win easily against us – but that’s just what we want to hear. We have huge commitment and every match we give 100 per cent. We might not be as good as Wales but we can put them under pressure and give them plenty of problems, even if we are away from home.”
Wales lost their tournament opener at home to Ireland last year and were beaten by Australia in their last outing but Parisse isn’t convinced that the opening weekend is a good time to be facing the reigning champions.
The Stade Francais star is also brutally honest when he admits that the Azzurri aren’t targeting the RBS 6 Nations title, but he does make it clear that he and his team-mates know they are capable of beating anyone, anywhere, and Wales are no exception.
“I don’t know if it’s a good time: Wales have showed they can play great matches, even after playing a poor match before,” added Parisse.
“The first game for every nation is very important to each team. If you start well it gives you momentum for the rest of the tournament.
“If I am honest our objective is not to win the trophy, but we do have the possibility of beating any of the other nations. We showed last year that we can beat teams like Ireland and France. I think we have won the respect of all the other countries.”
