Italy aim for damage limitation

Italy arrived at Twickenham today on a damage-limitation exercise against RBS 6 Nations Championship favourites England.

Their cause was further hampered before kick-off when star player Mauro Bergamasco withdrew through injury.

Bergamasco, switched from flanker to wing by coach John Kirwan this season, was ruled out because of a thigh strain. His place was taken by Treviso’s Nicola Mazzucato.

Prop Andrea Lo Cicero also cried off from the bench, leaving Kirwan with more problems than he could have expected before leaving Rome on Friday.