Italy’s search for a first win of the 2016 RBS Nations will now be even harder after centre Michele Campagnaro was ruled out of next Saturday’s finale in Wales.
The Azzurri have lost each of their four games so far in this year’s Championship and their trip to Principality Stadium represents their last chance to change that.
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The match is also significant as it marks coach Jacques Brunel’s final game in charge of the Azzurri.
But influential centre Campagnaro will not be part of the starting XV after being ruled out due to the medial knee ligament injury he picked up during the 58-15 defeat to Ireland on Saturday.
The 23-year-old has arguably been Italy’s best player during the RBS 6 Nations, impressing both defensively and with ball in hand despite the results.
“The recovery time for Campagnaro is estimated at ten to 15 days,” said Italy team manager Luigi Troiani.
“That’s obviously not enough for Saturday’s match against Wales, so Giulio Bisegni will join the group.” Italy’s campaign started with a narrow 23-21 loss to France in Paris – a match they can consider themselves unlucky to have lost.
But they have struggled since that day at the start of February with a 40-9 defeat to England was followed by a 36-20 home reversal to Scotland before the Ireland result.
The Azzurri did receive some good news before heading to Carrdiff however with lock Marco Fuser expected to return to full training, while centres Gonzalo Garcia and Luca Morisi could beat minor knocks in order to be fit.
Click here for the complete 2016 RBS 6 Nations fixture list with TV coverage
