Azzuri fitness boost

Italy’s disrupted build-up to their RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland tomorrow has improved dramatically with John Kirwan’s preferred side given the all-clear to start the match.

Eight of the Azzurri squad – including skipper Marco Bortolami – were unable to train at some point in the week because of ’flu, while hooker Fabio Ongaro and scrum-half Paul Griffen were subject to late fitness tests.