Parisse to miss Ireland match

Italy number eight Sergio Parisse is set to miss the RBS 6 Nations match against Ireland on March 20.

Parisse was carried off during the second half of Saturday’s triumph over Scotland in Rome after picking up a muscle injury.

The 20-year-old is also doubtful for Italy’s final game of the competition against Wales in the Millennium Stadium on March 27.

“The player will probably not be available for the game against Ireland and even the game against Wales,” said Italy coach John Kirwan who has named a 26-man squad for the trip to Dublin, which excludes Parisse, based on the assumption he will be unfit.

Kirwan is likely to recall Arix Viadana forward Matthew Phillips to replace the injured Parisse.

However, Kirwan is hopeful that centre Manuel Dallan will be available after picking up a knee injury against Scotland.

“I have included Manuel in the selection, but I will have to wait until tomorrow to get a definite diagnosis,” he added on Tuesday.

Italy squad for RBS 6 Nations match against Ireland on March 20:

Martin Castrogiovanni, Andrea Lo Cicero, Salvatore Perugini, Carlo Festuccia, Fabio Ongaro, Marco Bortolami, Carlo Checchinato, Santiago Dellape, Andrea De Rossi, Roberto Mandelli, Silvio Orlando, Scott Palmer, Aaron Persico, Matthew Phillips, Paul Griffen, Simon Picone, Roland De Marigny, Rima Wakarua, Matteo Barbini, Manuel Dallan, Cristian Stoica, Mirco Bergamasco, Denis Dallan, Nicola Mazzucato, Gonzalo Canale, Andrea Masi.