Italy's talisman Martin Castrogiovanni looks set to miss the rest of the Six Nations after suffering a suspected broken rib in the narrow defeat to England on Saturday.
Known for his toughness, the prop was forced off midway through the game and appeared in severe pain.
Coach Jacques Brunel confirmed the extent of the injury after the game, saying: "It could be a broken rib and if that is the case it would be difficult to have him back during the rest of the tournament."
Italy's remaining fixtures in the tournament are trips to Ireland and Wales on February 25 and March 10 respectively before rounding off the campaign at home to Scotland on March 17.
