Italy’s star man Sergio Parisse will be absent from the team when they face Ireland in Rome on Sunday due to a suspected concussion.
Parisse sustained the injury during Stade Francais’ 23-14 loss to Lyon on Saturday.
The Italians forwards coach Giampiero De Carli insisted that they can survive without the record 136 capped No 8.
“The loss of Sergio Parisse? It is clear that we lose one of the strongest number eights in the world, but we have players who are up to the situation that will be able to contribute to the team,” he said.
It has been confirmed however by the Italian
Rugby Federation that the captain will stay with his team and head coach Conor
O’Shea as they prepare to face the reigning champions.
“The Azzurri captain, having undergone the second phase of neurological investigations following concussive trauma reported in the Top 14 match with Stade Francais, will continue to the return-to-play protocols according to current international regulations. The Italy captain will also remain with the squad,” they announced.
The loss of Parisse, who overtook Ireland’s
Brian O’Driscoll’s record of 65 championship appearance’s earlier in the competition,
is a massive blow as the Azzurri look to avoid a 20th straight 6
Nations defeat.
