Italy v France, Six Nations, Stadio Flaminio, March 12
Parisse: Italy not scared of Chabal
ESPNscrum Staff
March 11, 2011
France No.8 Sebastien Chabal is shackled by the English defence, England v France, Six Nations, Twickenham, London, England, February 26, 2011
Sebastien Chabal was unable to make an impact against England © Getty Images
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Italy skipper Sergio Parisse has no fears about facing Sebastien Chabal on Saturday, insisting that France would pose a bigger threat with Imanol Harinordoquy at the base of the scrum.

Chabal has controversially retained his place in the starting line-up after a below-par performance against England at Twickenham two weeks ago, with his rival relegated to the bench following the recall of Julien Bonnaire at openside.

Parisse will pack down alongside Alessandro Zanni and Robert Barbieri in an improving loose trio and is confident that they can shackle Chabal.

"They are two completely different players," Parisse told CP. "Harinordoquy is a more complete player than Chabal, who is more of a physical player and who tries to make more of a physical impact than Imanol does.

"I think it is better for us to play against someone like Chabal than Harinordoquy. Like I said, Harinordoquy is a more all-around player. He is important in the lineout and is good with the ball in hand."

Italy boss Nick Mallett has demanded that his side, showing seven changes from the one narrowly beaten by Wales, do not capitulate as they did against England at Twickenham in round two following a positive opening salvo against Ireland.

"I don't want another disastrous weekend like we had after we played well against Ireland," Mallett said. "It is difficult to manage the mental pressure, but we want to play four top-level matches in this competition so as to forget about England."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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