Italy feel for recruits Tedesco, Vaughan

Unlike other minnows, Italy are gutted their biggest names haven't earned top-tier nation selection for the Rugby League League World Cup.

But Azzurri coach Cameron Ciraldo won't have any problem unleashing NSW fullback James Tedesco and St George Illawarra enforcer Paul Vaughan against world No.8 Ireland in their opener in Cairns on Sunday.

Other nations have been vocal about their disappointment over being on the wrong end of relaxed eligibility rules ahead of the World Cup -- namely a Jason Taumalolo-less New Zealand.

However, not world No.12 Italy.

Ciraldo admitted he genuinely felt for Tedesco and Vaughan after the Kangaroos squad was named and the pair were notable by their absence.

He didn't expect the NRL duo to immediately put their hands up for the Azzurri -- especially with Italy not able to supply match payments compared to Kangaroos players receiving up to $50,000 for the tournament.

Now that the pair have, Ciraldo is keeping his fingers crossed Italy can advance into the knockout stage for the first time.

"Those two guys have an ambition to play for Australia; as a friend of theirs we totally support that," Ciraldo said.

"We were disappointed for them that they didn't get there this year.

"It is a privilege for our group that they put their hand up for Italy.

"It would have been real easy for them to go on an end of season holiday and got ready for next season but straight away they put their hand up for Italy.

"We can't offer them anything. All we can offer them is the chance to wear the jersey and represent their families -- for those guys to do that is a big thing for us."

Italy are grouped with Jarryd Hayne's Fiji and minnows United States.

Only the group's top team will advance to the quarter-finals.

At the 2013 tournament, Tedesco -- pushed to the centres by Anthony Minichiello --and Vaughan were part of the Azzurri's maiden Cup tilt, which only left bad memories for Ciraldo.

They started well four years ago, upsetting Wales and drawing with Scotland before a 16-0 loss to Tonga derailed their Cup quarter-final dream.

"We started the campaign quite well but fell away towards the back end," Ciraldo said.

"We probably got a few regrets about the way that finished last time.

"This time we want to play to our potential."