Italy will be without captain Sergio Parisse for their Six Nations clash with Ireland after he sustained a suspected concussion in Top 14 action last weekend.
The number eight took a blow to the head while playing in Stade Francais' 24-13 win over Lyon.
On Tuesday, the Italian Rugby Federation confirmed he will be unable to take on the defending champions in Rome on Sunday as he continues to go through the return-to-play protocols.
Although he will play no part in the contest at the Stadio Olimpico, Parisse will remain with the squad to offer support to his team-mates.
Il Capitano di #Italrugby @sergioparisse costretto al forfait per la gara di domenica contro l'Irlanda https://t.co/shsnPrgTog#ITAvIRE @SeiNazioniRugby pic.twitter.com/Qt53tLj5Pg
— Italrugby (@Federugby) February 19, 2019
Parisse broke the Six Nations appearance record when he led Italy in their tournament opener against Scotland.
Italy lost that fixture and were also beaten by Wales last time out, stretching their record run of successive Six Nations defeats to 19.
