Italy will be without its left prop Danilo Fischetti for its final group match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, on Friday October 6 against France. Injured against New Zealand on Friday, his withdrawal was announced on Sunday by the Italian Rugby Federation in a communiqué.
“Fischetti suffers from three fractures of the costal cartilage on the left side of the thorax and will not be available for the match against France,” indicated the Italian Federation. Fischetti (35 caps) left his teammates in the 18th minute during Italy’s heavy defeat against the All Blacks (96-17).
This rout left its mark on the Italian squad, since two other players are doubtful for the match against the Blues. The second row Dino Lamb is injured in the left leg and will be subject to “new examinations in the coming days”, indicated the Italian press release. Hooker Giacomo Nicotera, released in the 53rd minute of play, is subject to the concussion protocol.
Italy has already lost a hooker during the tournament, the experienced Luca Bigi, to an adductor injury. The Nazionale is currently 3rd in Group A with ten points and must beat France, leader of this group with 13 points, next Friday to participate for the first time in its history in the quarter-finals of a World Cup.
