I reckon the Italians can make the quarters this year, they've proved (on more than one occasion) that they're on the same level as the Scots, and are capable of beating them. Ok, three early tries did give the Azzuri a head start this year (But it's not as if they've never beaten them before), but they played well for the rest of the game, even if Scotland did come back (which they were bound to do) in the second half. I agree that Italy really do need a more talented fly half to marshal the back line, Pez has improved, but he's nowhere near the same class as Diego Dominiguez. But still, he kicked well against Wales and Ireland (Scanavacca did alright against Scotland - but most of the kicks were in front/close to the posts) so he's good enough for now.
And people say Italy need pacey winger, well I say this; what about Kaine Robertson? He impressed me this 6 Nations, scoring two tries, first being an interception in that 6 minuite blitz v Scotland, and a class try against Wales, where he out sped Ian Gough (I still wonder where the hell Kevin Morgan had got to when Pez kicked the ball through) in a race to the ball that Pez had kicked over the defense.
I hope that Bortolussi will smack over a couple more monster drop goals during the WC as well, that'll help too.
Is Stanjovec any good? I can't say I've ever seen him play.
