Russia will do everything possible to defeat Italy in its second game at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand on Tuesday, winger Vasily Artemiev said.
The Russian team, competing in its first World Cup, suffered a 13-6 defeat in its opener against the United States. Italy, ranked 10th in the world, also suffered a defeat in its opening game, losing 32-6 to Australia.
"I am sure will fight till the end and we preserve the same level of the game we showed in the match against the United States and even do better in many aspects," Artemiev said.
The 24-year-old wing also said Italy is approaching the game with Russia with great confidence as it considers the Russian team, known as The Bears, as a second-division side.
"We know that Italy approaches this game with confidence, at least that is how the international media puts it. Perhaps even with overconfidence. We [Russia] are dark horses and we approach all our opponents in future games absolutely equally. A lot of second echelon teams in the competition have already shown that it is completely realistic to take on first echelon sides," he said.
Artemiev, who speaks fluent English and was educated in Ireland, became the first Russian ever to break into the English Premiership after signing a two-year contract with Northampton Saints earlier this year.
Russia, which currently ranks 21st in the International Rugby Board standings, will take on the Italians at Trafalgar Square in New Zealand's Nelson on Tuesday at 19:30 local time (7:30 GMT).
