Italy prop Salvatore Perugini is relishing the prospect of taking on "one of the best teams in the world" In Paris on Saturday.
The Azzurri's opponents, France, have won three straight Six Nations games and are favourites to win the Grand Slam.
Perugini, who plays for French giants Bayonne, wants to make up for last years 50-8 humiliation against Les Bleus at the Stadio Flaminio.
"France has one of the strongest scrums in the world," said Perugini.
"With regards to the team, they are among the best in the world.
"We have to be strong in the scrum in order to try and hold France as long as possible and then try to take a risk."
The Azzurri gave away seven tries against the French in Rome last year and know a good start is essential.
"It will be a key opening 20 minutes," said Perugini.
"Having beaten Scotland in our last game, we have no pressure and this will help us to maintain the best possible concentration.
"We will see what happens."
Nick Malletts team is playing with a lot of confidence.
They bounced back from a tournament-opening setback in Ireland with two solid displays in Rome against England and Scotland.
Italy came close against England but lost 17-12 before ending a winless run that stretched almost two years with a 16-12 triumph over Scotland a fortnight ago.
France won their last game against Wales 26-20 in Cardiff.
"France is the best team in Europe," said Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni.
"Against them, we have to play a perfect game in defence.
"We cannot allow to leave any spaces because France when playing with the ball in hand are the best in the world."
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