Blow for Italy as Lorenzo Cannone ruled out of Ireland clash

Italy's preparations for Sunday's Guinness Six Nations meeting with Ireland have been dealt a further blow with number 8 Lorenzo Cannone ruled out due to a knee issue.

The Benetton back row will miss the game due to an injury picked up in last week's 27-24 defeat to England in Rome.

The 23-year-old was initially treated for the knock 10 minutes into the game, but played on until the early stages of the second half before being replaced by Manuel Zuliani.

While the Italian federation have ruled out ligament damage, Cannone will return to his club to rehab the injury.

It's a significant blow to Gonzalo Quesada's side, who have now lost two of their starting back rows, after Sebastien Negri was ruled out of Sunday's game at the Aviva Stadium due to a rib injury, also picked up against England.

Flanker Edoardo Iachizzi, who didn't feature in last weekend's defeat, has also left the Italian squad due to a shoulder issue.

Both Italy and Ireland will name their teams tomorrow ahead of Sunday afternoon's game, with Ireland captain Peter O'Mahony reportedly a doubt for the Round 2 clash.

Should the 34-year-old miss out, Jack Conan would likely step into the starting side, while they are also expected to be without Garry Ringrose again, as he deals with a shoulder problem.

Head coach Andy Farrell is due to name his side at 2pm on Friday.

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Watch England v Wales in the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday