ITALY VERSION 2.0

PICTURE: AP

Italy came into this tournament as a work in progress and, while the Azzurri are not about to blow everyone away with a fireworks display, they are growing from strength to strength.

The manner in which they dismantled the Irish, the Italians displayed maturity and a steely determination. This progress is a vindication of Italian coach's, Cesare Prandelli, bold move away from a tried-and-tested system, which is boring and defence-oriented.

Now, they promise an exciting future.