Pez rues injury woes

Italy’s Ramiro Pez admits the team’s injury problems are a “bitter blow” ahead of their Twickenham date with England.

The Azzurri will be without Mauro Bergamasco and Andrea Masi when they face the world champions in the RBS 6 Nations Championship on Saturday.

Pez told PA Sport: “It is a bitter blow because both Bergamasco and Masi are key players for us.

“But we have two replacements and we hope they will be motivated and give their best against England.”

Pez came on as a substitute in Italy’s opening game against France after Andrea Scanavacca sustained a rib injury in the 12th minute, but having only recently returned from injury himself, the fly-half admits he doesn’t know which of them will start against England.

“Both Andrea and I have trained very hard this week,” he said.

“I obviously hope to play, I have trained a lot in order to be ready to face England. I played my first game against France after a four-week absence having fractured my foot.

“It wasn’t easy to re-appear in an international game because I lacked playing time – hopefully I will be fully fit this weekend.”

Italy’s injuries will be of particular concern to head coach Pierre Berbizier, who will be demanding an improved performance from his side in the wake of last weekend’s 39-3 mauling at the hands of France.

Pez revealed that Berbizier has managed to maintain morale within the camp despite the manner of the team’s capitulation at Rome’s Stadio Flaminio.

He said: “I see the team very motivated despite our poor start to the competition.

“We have trained extremely hard this week, aware that we have to give everything in the 80 minutes on Saturday.

“We know that at this high standard we cannot make the mistakes we made against France and we want to prove our worth.

“Pierre Berbizier has reminded us that we are playing in one of the most prestigious tournaments, he has said to us that we have to maintain our rhythm.

“The teams that we are going to face have experience, history and quality behind them – and we are still growing.

“That is why we must be 100% ready from a fitness stand-point in order to have a chance to be in the game.”