Tommy Bowe: Parisse the powerhouse behind the Azzurri

There is no doubt that Ireland would much prefer to be facing an Italy side this weekend that did not feature the talents of their captain and inspiration Sergio Parisse.

Like a supercharged combination of knight in shining armour and the US cavalry coming over the hill, Parisse is portrayed as Italy’s great saviour, the man who can get the Azzurri back on track after missing the first two games of the World Cup Pool D campaign with a calf injury. Italy have stumbled badly without the Stade Francais No.8, looking rudderless against France in their Twickenham opener and sorely missing his leadership and dynamism as they scraped a narrow victory over Canada at Elland Road last Saturday.

Now, though, Parisse has shaken off his fitness issues and is back to try and save Italy’s World Cup for Sunday’s clash with Ireland.