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MARSEILLE - Italy are in danger of losing captain Marco Bortolami for Saturday's decisive Pool C match against Scotland because of injury.
Medical staff have recommended rest for the 27-year-old Gloucester lock because of a slight strain in his left thigh and damage to his neck, but coaching staff are still holding out hope he might be available for the crunch match in St. Etienne.
"Tomorrow he'll go to Marseille for further examination," team manager Carlo Checchinato told reporters at the team hotel in Saint-Remy-de-Provence on Wednesday.
"He continues with neck soreness but his left hamstring has improved a lot. You can't take a risk when you're talking about a neck injury. We need certainties before we take the decision of naming him in the starting XV."
Fellow second row Santiago Dellape, flanker Josh Sole and wing Marko Stanojevic are back in training after recovering from injuries sustained earlier in the tournament, while scans have ruled out any serious injury for loose forward Sergio Parisse.
Checchinato said that loose forwards Silvio Orlando and Manoa Vosawai were the only other players receiving treatment.
"Silvio Orlando is having some back pain," he said. "He couldn't complete our whole training session today, but he is making progress. Manoa Vosawai has some problems in his ankle, but the rest are OK."
Italy coach Pierre Berbizier will announce his side on Thursday. The Azzurri must win the match if they are to qualify for the last eight for the first time.
- REUTERS
