Italy captain Lamaro proud perception has changed

Italy captain Lamaro proud perception has changedImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Italy skipper Michele Lamaro says people used to ask him about the team leaving the Six NationsByMatt GaultBBC Sport NI senior journalist at Aviva StadiumPublished22 minutes agoCaptain Michele Lamaro eloquently summed up how the perception around Italy has changed after they fell short in their bid for back-to-back Six Nations wins in Saturday’s absorbing contest against Ireland. After beating Scotland in Rome, Italy arrived in Dublin with confidence and were the better team for large periods against the Irish, who withstood intense pressure from the Azzurri in the closing stages to win 20-13.And after Italy boss Gonzalo Quesada spoke of his pride in his team’s performance, Lamaro was asked about their growing belief.”This is my fifth year as a captain in the Six Nations and I remember my first year, the main question was, ‘what do you think about Italy leaving the Six Nations?’,” reported the Benetton back row. “I’ve never believed that in a couple of years you can change things up too much. I always have a humble mindset because I know how much it takes to get to that level to be able to come here and perform and compete against an unbelievable team like Ireland. “The perception means a lot. The belief we’ve created, I didn’t have that growing up. “I grew up with us being last in the table and that’s the thing I’m most proud of, me coming through with a bunch of guys who might be able to win the championship one day.”Ireland survive Italy scare to claim first win