Smith's side recorded an impressive nine victories last season, but only managed one away from the Stadio di Monigo, a 16-15 win at Aironi.
And coming into the new season Smith has made no secret of the club's priority this season, at least one win in Ireland, Wales or Scotland.
Treviso made a disappointing start to the RaboDirect Pro12 with a narrow 11-9 reverse at home to Connacht last Saturday.
But despite that defeat, Smith is adamant his team are on the right track to improve on last season's tenth place.
"I'm really happy with our squad and this season we have 30 people who are capable of challenging for a starting spot every week, and others who aren't far off," said the South African.
"Last week we made a few mistakes which we will have to put right, we were perhaps a bit too conservative in the first 20 minutes. We made too many little mistakes which cost us eventually.
"But we were also playing in heavy rain which made everything a lot more difficult.
"Cardiff are a very strong side with lots of experienced players who will make up for the players at the World Cup.
"We know we go in as underdogs, but our target is still to pick up an away win this season. I'm really excited by the next game."
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