Injury blow for Bergamasco

Italy have lost arguably their best player for their RBS Six Nations Championship clash with Wales after Mauro Bergamasco was forced to withdraw from the squad through injury.

The flanker picked up a thigh problem playing for his club Stade Francais at the weekend and will miss Saturday’s Cardiff showdown.

Head coach Pierre Berbizier has called up Aaron Persico into his 24-man party as a replacement.