Italy will be without a key backline player for the remainder of the Six Nations.
Toulouse fullback Ange Capuozzo suffered a serious shoulder injury against France at the weekend, the Italian Rugby Federation announced on Tuesday.
Capuozzo scored the Azzurri’s only try in the 33-8 defeat in Lille but came off worst when tackled 10 minutes from time by club teammate Anthony Jelonch.
The 26-year-old’s absence from the field combined with a yellow card for Louis Lynagh meant Italy played the last few minutes with just 13 men.
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Capuozzo underwent tests on Monday that confirmed Italian fears and later on Tuesday Toulouse said he would be out until April.
It means the 26-year-old will miss the Azzurri’s last two matches against England in Rome on 7 March and Wales in Cardiff a week later.
It also jeopardises his chances of being available for Toulouse’s Investec Champions Cup last-16 match against Bristol on 4 April and, if they win that, a possible quarter-final match-up the following week with holders Bordeaux Begles.
Sunday’s match was Capuozzo’s first game since 28 December when he broke a finger playing against La Rochelle.
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Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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