Azzurri rocked as Bergamasco banned

ITALY flanker Mauro Bergamasco will miss Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland after receiving a four-week ban for punching Wales captain Stephen Jones.

The suspension also means Bergamasco, who plays club rugby with Stade Francais, misses the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leicester on April 1. The 27-year-old, who attended the disciplinary hearing in London last night, can resume playing on April 9.

The loss of Bergamasco will be a huge blow for Italy, who are already without key centre Gonzalo Canale.