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Bath Rugby, the 1998 Heineken Cup champions and currently flying high at the top of the Zurich Premiership, travel to Italy boosted by their 13-12 victory at Leicester Tigers last weekend when World Cup stars club captain Danny Grewcock, Mike Catt and Mike Tindall all returned to club duty.
"We will put a strong side out on Saturday," said head coach John Connolly. "And, although we have got a few injuries and won't risk anyone unnecessarily, players like Danny and Iain will probably make the trip."
And Bath Rugby, beaten in last season's PARKER PEN CHALLENGE CUP final by London Wasps, could have some valuable "inside information" on Saturday's opposition.
"When I was coach at Stade Francais we had L'Aquila in our Pool in the 2000 / 2001 Heineken Cup so I guess I do know a fair bit about them - though obviously there will have been quite a few changes to their squad," said Connolly.
"We have had a good start to the season and, hopefully, we will be involved in the PARKER PEN CHALLENGE CUP for six of the next nine weekends."
Lions and England lock Grewcock added: "Having reached the final of the PARKER PEN CHALLENGE CUP last season, we know all about the merits of what is a tough, challenging and fun competition to participate in.
"The beauty of it is that you get to travel and play rugby in places that you would not normally get the opportunity to go and that makes for a welcome change to domestic competition.
"As the tournament progresses to the knock-out stages there is definitely an argument that the standard of competition has parity to that of the Heineken Cup.
"Teams like Montferrand, Castres and Glasgow are all packed with international players, whilst Newcastle Falcons, NEC Harlequins and London Irish, like ourselves, are flying high in the Zurich Premiership.
"Add to the mix World Cup winners such as Jonny Wilkinson, Richard Hill, Kyran Bracken, Will Greenwood and Jason Leonard and there is the perfect recipe for a great competition.
"We will not be taking our collective feet off the pedal. We want to continue our good form into the competition and progress through to another final as an automatic place in the 2004/5 Heineken Cup awaits the winners."
