Italy captain Sergio Parisse will miss the Six Nations championship due to a knee injury. The Stade Francais backrow suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament in training ahead of tonight's Test against Samoa and could miss up to six months.
The injury occurred at training yesterday. National team doctor Roberto Pozzoni has not ruled out the 26-year-old undergoing surgery.
A statement from the Italian Rugby Federation read: "The tests have confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a damaged anterior cruciate ligament, with a recovery period estimated at four to six months."
Pozzoni added: "At the moment we dont exclude the possibility to intervene surgically, with the time of recovery varying from 120 to 180 days."
Nick Malletts Italy begin the Six Nations against Ireland in Croke Park on February 6th but the loss of their inspirational captain, widely regarded as one of the best in his position in the world, will be a massive loss for the Azzurri.
