Canale blow for Azzurri

Italy centre Gonzalo Canale has been ruled out of Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship game against Ireland.

Canale sustained an injury to his left thigh in the 23-20 win against Wales at the Stadio Flaminio at the weekend.

However, coach Pierre Berbizier will be buoyed by the news that Benetton centre Matteo Barbini, Saracens hooker Fabio Ongaro and Arix Viadana flanker Josh Sole have shaken off their respective injuries and have resumed training with the rest of the squad.

Berbizier will discover today whether Mauro Bergamasco will be available to face the Irish.

The flanker will attend a disciplinary hearing in London after being cited for allegedly punching Wales captain Stephen Jones during Italy’s win in Rome on Saturday.