Six Nations: Italy’s Parisse facing ban after red card

Italy face being without
talismanic captain Sergio Parisse when their RBS Six Nations Championship campaign resumes against Wales after the No 8 was sent off while playing for Stade Francais.

Parisse was dismissed during Stade’s French Top 14 game against Begles-Bordeaux for allegedly insulting the referee, and any resulting suspension would see him miss next weekend’s Stadio Olimpico clash. Parisse, 29, claimed he did not insult the referee and posted on his Twitter account: “Sorry to my team-mates and fans for the red card, which I find too harsh! I never insulted Mr Cardona.”

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has called veteran flanker Mauro Bergamasco into his squad as cover for Parisse. Italy have won three of their last four home games in the Six Nations, but lost 34-10 to Scotland at Murrayfield in their last fixture.