Lo Cicero plays down England injury woes

Italy prop Andrea Lo Cicero will not be fooled into thinking the Azzurri will face a weak England side in Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations game in Rome.

Both teams go into the game on the back of defeats in their opening matches and Brian Ashton’s side have an injury crisis to deal with, with five players unavailable following their loss to Wales.

“Any team can start the tournament on the wrong foot,” Lo Cicero said. “But we cannot fool ourselves regarding the number of injured players they have because they have great players.”

The situation could be even worse for England if captain Phil Vickery is unable to shake off a calf muscle problem.

“Vickery is a player that I respect and admire,” said the 31-year-old Lo Cicero. “We have had so many battles in the past.

“We are the same age and I am jealous of his achievements, as world champion and as runner-up in last year’s World Cup.”

Italy coach Nick Mallett has urged his players to concentrate on the Azzurri game-plan, instead of worrying about how to get the better of a team they have never beaten in a Test. Lo Cicero echoed those sentiments.

He said: “We have to focus on our game not on England. They are a great team and we must respect them for what they have done.”

The Italians had some good moments in Ireland but Mallett admitted his team were fortunate not to have conceded as many as three more tries in their 16-11 defeat. Lo Cicero hopes that the team will be able to put the loss behind them.

He said: “We have analysed our defeat in Dublin. Mallett has pinpointed where we went wrong and the things we need to correct and that is our task come Sunday.

“We have worked well this week but we have to continue to work hard and not get carried away.”

Last weekend’s game was the first for Italy under Mallett, who replaced Pierre Berbizier shortly after the World Cup and Lo Cicero admits that the Italians are still in a period of adjustment.

He said: “After the World Cup, we had a coaching change, we had new players coming into important positions. Unlike other teams, we haven’t had a chance to adapt to the new tactics and that is why we have to help these players.”

One of those players is Montpellier scrum-half David Bortolussi, who has come under scrutiny after missing several penalty kicks against Ireland but he has Lo Cicero’s backing.

He said: “Bortolussi is a very good player and we have to give him the confidence he deserves.

“We have to help him, we are not computers and you can make mistakes. It can happen to Jonny Wilkinson – I hope so, come Sunday.

“To face a team like England gives you an added motivation to do well.

“But for me any game wearing these colours is special.

“I’ve made 73 appearances and I know what awaits us on Sunday. Whatever happens, it is going to be a beautiful game to watch and to play.”