Viadana have become the first Italian side to contest a European final and the match is the first ERC final awarded to Italy.

And Matt Phillips, Viadana's international No 8, is relishing his club and Italian rugby in general being firmly in the spotlight.

"This final is extremely important for Viadana - especially because we are the first Italian club to get to Euro final," said Phillips.

"In that sense we are also flying the flag for Italian club rugby in general and, even though it is not the Heineken Cup, it is an important step for Italian rugby.

"We have had a tough schedule recently with midweek games and we have lost a few matches because we have been focusing on this final.

"But make no mistake we want to win it - there is no point in getting to a final and not coming away with the title.

"On the plus side we have been boosted by the returns of Tom Beim and Matteo Mazzantini because the pair of them bring important experience into the side.

"And then we are virtually playing at home - Parma is half an hour down the road - and we know the ground very well after playing there half a dozen times already this season.

"Montpellier - like all French clubs - will be strong in all areas and with a powerful pack.

"However, we have played well against French teams in Italy this season so it should all make for a good game.

"We will be up against my good mate Alessandro Stoica and I spoke to him recently. He was playing down Montpellier's recent performances - and I was doing the same about ours - but we are all raring to go.

"We are third in the Italian Championship so if we stay in the top four we would have a chance of making the final and qualifying for the Heineken Cup but on Friday night we are playing for an European title."

Montpellier: TBC
Viadana: C Steyn; K Robertson, A Masi, S Ceppolino, T Beim; B Feeney, M Mazzantini; M Savi (capt), V Jimenez, R Porreca, C Bezzi, T Bowman, M Phillips, L Persico, G Hayter
Replacements: E De Bellis, E Brancalion, F Gumiero, M Avigni, S Bortolussi, A Accorsi, S Zanchi,
Referee: Dave Pearson (England)