We must move on from Bergamasco ban, says Mallett

Italy coach Nick Mallett has told his players to forget Mauro Bergamasco's 13-week ban for eye-gouging and instead focus on beating France on Sunday.

The Azzurri go into the RBS 6 Nations encounter at the Stade de France looking for their first triumph in the 2008 tournament.

The absence of experienced flanker Bergamasco, who paid a high price for his action against Wales full-back Lee Byrne during the Azzurri's 47-8 defeat in Cardiff last month, will be a big setback for the Italians.

"Mauro's absence is a big blow for us," admitted Mallett. "But Mauro's 13-week ban is just and we accept it. In fact, it's a good thing because the player risked a two-year ban.

"There are no excuses for his gesture and we have shown to the rest of the team the video images and explained to them the reasons why these actions are not permitted.

"I cannot accept that players lose their cool like this."

However, Mallett claimed Bergamasco had previously been the victim of two fouls which the referee failed to act on.

"Mauro was elbowed in the neck and later was met by a high tackle when trying to pick up the ball," he added. "But I reiterate he should not have lost his head."

The England-born coach has requested his team are treated equally by the officials.

Mallett said: "Against England we had eight fouls called against us, with Ireland just six and the international average is 14 per game.

"Hence, we play clean rugby and we want to be treated the same as the others."

Cammi Calvisano's Alessandro Zanni will have the responsibility of taking over Bergamasco's role against Les Bleus.

The good news for Mallett is the return to the starting XV of Gloucester lock Marco Bortolami, who will start his first match of the 2008 tournament after overcoming neck and eye injuries.

The ex-Italy captain missed the game in Ireland and against England but played as a replacement in the clash in Wales.

Kaine Robertson and Andrea Lo Cicero also return to the starting line-up having featured on the bench at the Millennium Stadium.

Lo Cicero could make history on Sunday by making his 75th appearance in Azzurri colours, breaking the record held by Diego Dominguez.

Montepaschi Viadana's number eight Jacobus Erasmus could make his first appearance for the senior team.