Italy's Zanni out for five months

Flank Alessandro Zanni will miss the rest of the Six Nations after being ruled out for five months following knee surgery, the Italian Rugby Federation said Friday.

Zanni underwent successful reconstructive cruciate ligament surgery on his right knee after taking a knock during last Saturday's opening Six Nations loss to Ireland.

His place was taken by Mauro Bergamasco for Saturday's Six Nations side to take on England at Twickenham.

Another veteran brought back into the starting XV is 34-year-old Marco Bortolami, who will win his 111th cap in the second row alongside George Biagi following an injury to Quintin Geldenhuys.

Agence France-Presse