Bergamasco pleased with operation

ITALY flanker Mauro Bergamasco has declared the operation on his fractured cheekbone a success as the Azzurri continue their build-up to the RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland.

The 25-year-old sustained the injury during the 38-8 defeat to Wales at the Stadio Flaminio last weekend and will face a number of months on the sidelines, a huge blow for Italy’s Six Nations hopes.

Bergamasco said: “The operation has been a success even if I still have a bit of pain in my face. “I hope to be ready in a few months, but on March 19 (the visit of France) I will be in the Flaminio stand to support all my team-mates.”

Coach John Kirwan has called up flanker Silvio Orlando and centre Cristian Stoica for the clash between two teams that have not yet registered points in the tournament.