Italy’s captain and talisman Sergio Parisse is facing a World Cup fitness battle after having surgery to drain fluid from his leg on Monday. He suffered an injury during Italy’s 19-23 defeat against Wales on Saturday, an attritional game that also spelt the end of the World Cup for Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb.
Italy will be desperate to get Parisse back to full fitness in time for their opening fixture, a week on Saturday against France at Twickenham. The Azzurri frequently raise their game when their leader takes to the pitch and their chances of making it out of Pool D – which also includes Ireland – would all but disappear without him.
In a statement, Italy refused to put a timescale on Parisse’s return, saying an update would be released some time this week. There was similar news for centre duo Gonzalo Garcia and Luca Morisi, who are being assessed after sustaining knocks in the Wales game.
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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Equally bad news for the competition, if Parisse follows Halfpenny and Webb out of the door.
Possibly worse so as I would suggest that he is far more important to Italy than either of the Welsh duo are to Wales (despite Halfpenny’s boot).
If Parisse is out Ireland can play shite all the way up to the French match!
This WC is really opening up for us!!!!!!
A cake walk – but what type of cake?
I nominate a Battenberg – Pink and yellow! – a bit jammy!! with a sweet outside hiding all the imperfections!!! with a hint of chessboard.
DDD
God the arrogance of these arrogant Irish fans – have to be the worst in world rugby
If we lose anymore important players the outcome will be all but a wash. I get to be a champion you need depth but if no one fields full strength then we learn nothing
The “warm-ups” were for learning.
This is for winning now. Think that’s where the Floating Turd got it wrong!
This is all out mortal combat/death matches/handbags at dawn – even if all teams were intact on the first day the argie bargie would soon alter that. Strength in depth blah blah blah decimated blah blah limped over the line blah……..cruel fate
Shit happens but you will only remember your shit – the history books will only remember the winners
DDD