Masi ruled out with torn Achilles

Editor

Italy have lost centre Andrea Masi to injury for the rest of the World Cup after he suffered a torn Achilles against France on Saturday.

The veteran three-quarter was forced off within the opening ten minutes of the Azzurri's opening loss to France at Twickenham, and becomes the latest centre to be ruled out.

Italy lost Luca Morisi to injury in their final warm-up game against Wales, while Gonzalo Garcia and Tommaso Benvenuti were also unavailable for the game against les Bleus.

"Unfortunately Masi broke his Achilles tendon. This is the third centre we have lost in two weeks so it is a series of events that leaves us with a bitter taste in the mouth," explained Italy coach Jacques Brunel.

The Azzurri went down 32-10 to France, conceding two tries and conceding far too many penalties to really threaten an upset.

Italy's next game is against Canada next Saturday at Elland Road before they take on Ireland the following Sunday.