Italy's former captain Massimo Giovanelli will miss the Six Nations clash with Wales on tomorrow week because of an eye injury.
The flanker sustained a retina injury during Italy's surprise 34-20 home victory over Scotland in their Six Nations debut last week and will undergo an operation today, the Italian Rugby Federation said in a statement yesterday.
Doctors recommended immediate surgery after discovering Giovanelli's left retina was partially detached. "Giovanelli is confident he will be available again within three to four weeks. As yet, no player has been called up in his place," the federation said.
Giampiero De Carli, scorer of Italy's only try in the win over Scotland, had already been ruled out of the match. Coach Brad Johnstone allowed De Carli to be excused from the clash at Cardiff's Millennium stadium for personal reasons.
Meanwhile, the Italians have condemned a plan to play third division soccer matches on a freshlylaid pitch in the Rome stadium where they are due to face England on March 18th.
