Italy will be deprived for its last group match of the 2023 World Cup on October 6 against France of its left pillar Danilo Fischetti, injured against New Zealand on Friday, the Italian Rugby Federation announced on Sunday. “Fischetti suffers from three costal cartilage fractures on the left side of the thorax and will not be available for the match against France,” the Italian Federation said in its press release.
Fischetti (35 caps) left his teammates in the 18th minute during the Italian 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 France. Second row Dino Lamb was injured in the left leg and will be subject to “new examinations in the coming days,” the Italian press release said. 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.