Ireland will be without the injured Paul O'Connell when they bid to claim the Six Nations title in Rome next Saturday. The Munster lock has been ruled out with a fractured thumb.
O'Connell sustained the damaged to his right hand in yesterday's 19-18 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield and will see a specialist tomorrow to assess the extent of the damage.
The loss of O'Connell is a major blow to Ireland, who were thrust back into the Six Nations title race by England's 26-18 triumph over France this afternoon.
One of five nominees for the 2006 IRB player of the year award, the 27-year-old hardman is an inspirational figure and his presence will be missed against the ever-physical Italians.
Mick O'Driscoll is in pole position to replace his provincial team-mate in the starting line-up with Leinster's Trevor Hogan a leading contender to fill the vacancy on the bench.
Marcus Horan is continuing his rehabilitation from the calf strain that forced him to withdraw against Scotland and could yet be fit for the trip to Rome. But Isaac Boss, another player forced to miss Ireland's Triple Crown celebrations in Edinburgh, will not recover from his shoulder injury in time to face the Azzurri.
