Nigel Melville and Phil Vickery are both in agreement that Saturday's opening Heineken Cup clash against Treviso is going to be a massive challenge.
Gloucester's World Cup winner Phil Vickery said: "Treviso is going to be a very tough game. They have a large contingent of players from the Italian international set-up and the game is on their own patch."
Vickery, 27, returned to Cherry and Whites action last weekend during the 28-20 win over Northampton, added: "Everyone is
looking forward to the Heineken Cup. It's good to back preparing for European competition as it brings with it very different pressures to the Zurich Premiership."
Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Melville has been keeping a close eye on his Italian rivals and said: "Treviso have really come on as a team in the last few years and are capable of beating anyone at home. We'll have to be at the top of our game this weekend.
"There is no room for a poor game. There is such a fine line between qualifying and failing, as we found out last season."
After this weekend's Heineken Cup clash in Italy, Gloucester will be preparing for the visit of Bourgoin to Kingsholm on Saturday 13 December.
Supporters are being urged to purchase tickets in advance for the Anglo-French clash that sees the return of former Gloucester coach Philippe Saint Andre to the West Country.
