Italy flanker Simone Favaro knows France is intent on a revenge mission as they seek to "destroy" the Azzurri in their RBS 6 Nations opener.
The Italians recorded their best ever tournament result against France two years ago when they ground out a historic 22-21 win in Rome at the Stadio Flaminio.
Sunday's clash will be the first time the two sides have met on Italian soil since that result, with Les Bleus, now under the watchful eye of head coach Philippe Saint-Andre, keen to avoid a repeat as they go in search of their 10th Grand Slam.
"They will arrive in a furious mood and will give 100 per cent, so we will have to give 110 and try and absorb everything they throw at us for 80 minutes," Favaro told the official tournament website.
"They will want to destroy us, but we are ready for war because we want to experience that joy again. I wasn't there and I was envious not to be on the field that day.
"This type of match is fundamental for our growth if we want to play consistently at the highest level.
"We will see two teams who have a similar philosophy. Their style allows players to play with freedom and we know that they are at their best with that style."
France scrum-half Morgan Parra, who was part of the side who suffered that narrow defeat to Italy, says his side will not underestimate the Azzurri on home soil.
The half-back, who is set to start the match from the bench, said: "I think that before people did not take Italy seriously but we know how good they are, having lost to them two years ago.
"They are a team that has improved a lot in the last couple of years. They are a physical team that likes to play more and more with the ball.
"We will be careful and we know it will be hard for us on Sunday. There is a bit of fear because we always want to do well.
"The dream of every player who participates in this tournament is to achieve a Grand Slam. It will be difficult for us to win in Italy but we have worked well during the week and we will do our best to be ready on Sunday."
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