LONDON – Italy’s veteran captain Sergio Parisse will miss Italy’s opening World Cup encounter against France next Sunday after not yet recovering from surgery.
The injury set back for the Italians continues a long list of casualties from the World Cup warm-ups with Azzurri centre Luca Morisi ruled out of the entire tournament alongside Welsh guns Rhys Webb and Leigh Halfpenny.
Parisse was already in doubt for the opening match after undergoing surgery last Monday. And Italy’s team doctor confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the inspirational no.8 would miss the Twickenham clash.
The haematoma (a swelling of blood) developed in Parisse’s left knee after Italy’s final warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff.
It’s likely that Parisse’s absence will be missed by the Azzurri with the no.8 easily one of Italy’s best players. Earning 113 caps and appearing in three world cups to date, Parisse has been immense for Italy and is expected to play a huge part of Italy’s World Cup campaign.