Aironi are on the move - Phillips

They will also play Ulster Rugby in Round 4 at the stadium and by switching two of their home ties to a larger venue it reflects the club's ambition off the field while head coach Rowland Phillips is determined his team will do their utmost to match that out on the pitch.

"Our first season was obviously a huge learning process for everyone involved with the club - and also a realisation of just how demanding the Heineken Cup is," said former Wales back row forward Phillips.

"What we discovered was that you have to learn quickly and move on quickly.

"However, we also realised that we were a more than capable side and there is no doubt that we finished the tournament in a much stronger position than we started our debut European season, with increased confidence and belief."

While fellow Italian club Benetton Treviso will be playing their 79th tournament match when they travel to reigning English champions Saracens in Round 1, Aironi went one better than their neighbours last season courtesy of their win over Biarritz.

"The win against Biarritz was a statement - and our only disappointment was that we could not back it up with any further success," said Phillips.

You are always looking to create momentum and build on success and we certainly missed that opportunity after beating Biarritz.

"Yes, we are in a tough group this time with past Heineken Cup winners among our opponents but when you look at the quality of the teams in this tournament then you soon realise that every group is a difficult one.

"We do have Clermont and those past winners but we can only focus on being more competitive than last season and we believe we can demonstrate that based on our performances in the RaboDirect PRO12.

"We honestly believe we are progressing well and improving all the time."

Just how far Aironi Rugby have come in such a short space of time is likely to be seriously tested by Leicester on Saturday, though the Italian club had a busy summer on the recruitment front.

"Playing at home is always an advantage - though some might suggest that Leicester could be seen to be ranked No1 in Europe against the bottom ranked club," said Phillips. "That just gives us a great opportunity to show people what we are about.

"We have brought in a number of youngsters that people may not be familiar with, along with more experienced players like outside halves Luciano Orquera and Naas Olivier, scrum half Tyson Keats, Frans Viljoen in the back row , wing Sinoti Sinoti and full back Andrea Masi.

"As a squad we are certainly strong than last season with nice blend of seasoned internationals, overseas players and youngsters keen to impress and develop."