Italy Set Sights on Knock-out Stages | Thebigtip

In the aftermath of Australia's surprise defeat to Ireland ten days ago, it was easy for the rest of the world to lose sight of the other sides in Pool C in this year's World Cup – even a side as accomplished as Italy.

But that was put right today when their comfortable win against USA moved them level on points in their group with the Wallabies and just three points behind leaders Ireland. 

Italy probably wouldn't have minded being left alone to quietly go about their business – it is this understated quality that saw them run out victorious against neighbours and arch-rivals France in the 2011 Six Nations competition for the first time in their history. The Rugby World Cup betting shows they can still cause problems.

"Underestimate the Azzurri at your peril" will be the message that Declan Kidney will have ringing in his side's ears this week, knowing that should Russia lose to Australia in their final group game – as is probably going to be the case, any sort of Italian victory would see the Irish tumbling out of the competition.
 
This would be even tougher to bear knowing that the whole world has been talking about how well Ireland have done to qualify for the quarter finals ahead of Australia, rather than their chances of possibly being eliminated this weekend. People betting on rugby will have been surprised by what went on.

Unfortunately for Italy, they have a less than impressive record in the Six Nations against Ireland – winning none of their eleven encounters – but Ireland should be aware that this is a very different Italy side to what the world have seen before. Already they have matched their best ever showing at a World Cup by winning two of their group games and by scoring at least four tries in back-to-back matches – and now with the reward of a quarter final face-off against South Africa hanging enticingly before them, they will feel that it is perhaps their destiny to triumph in Dunedin on Sunday. 

Certainly the Italian showing at the last Six Nations event will have been encouraging, with Ireland eventually escaping with their 100% record against the Azzurri just about intact following a thrilling match that ended 13-11 in Ireland's favour. 

What happens this weekend is anyone's call, but whoever makes it to the last eight to face the current World Champions will certainly deserve to be there.