Bisegni blow for Azzurri

Italy centre Giulio Bisegni has been sidelined after suffering knee ligament damage, the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announced on Friday.

Zebre player Bisegni suffered the anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee during training for Sunday's Six Nations clash against France in Rome.

He is expected to be out for several months but a statement from the FIR said: "In the coming days federation medical staff and staff from Zebre will discuss surgery and the length of his absence."

Italy, who finished last in the 2014 tournament, are second bottom of the Six Nations table having claimed their only win so far away to Scotland.

They wrap up their 2015 tournament with a home match against Wales next week.

Agence France-Presse