Irish coach Scott Benmand says his players are aware of the “incredible challenge” against an Italian club in Parma on Sunday.
The Irish appeared in wooden spoons a year ago, after losing 27-21 to the Italians in RDS in the second round.
The next wins in Wales and Scotland have ended third-placed tournaments for the World Cup this season, but Bemand says he and his players have high respect for Italy because their first win away at the 2021 Stadium in the tournament.
Ireland will move to Sunday’s game against France in the first game of last week’s last week’s final last week.
“Iriya has made a more structural version than it. It used to be very nice to look at them as it can happen,” he said.
“Now they have done a little more rational with what they are trying to. So we know we are waiting for a strong boxing game and we are preparing for that.
“Our goal, as always, is to get the best game there and if we do, we will be good, but the Italians will certainly not go on and make us easier for us.
Ireland in the third place in six nations last year with the winning autumn in Australia, New Zealand champions New Zealand and without sanitation feels that the current players have no faith that wasn’t there when they faced Italy a year ago.
“After the game, we said you lost a game that they had to win and lost the game in six previous nations that didn’t deserve to win,” he said.
“There was a big step but it was close to the lack of permission or self-confidence. Now they are a group that has a different thinking.