Italy captain a doubt for Scotland showdown

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 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.

"You can't take a risk when you're talking about a neck injury," team manager Carlo Checchinato said. "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, while scans have ruled out any serious injury for loose forward Sergio Parisse.

At home, Saracens full-back Dan Scarbrough has been ruled out for at least four months after suffering a ruptured medial cruciate ligament against Gloucester on Sunday. Kevin Sorrell picked up a calf injury during the same game which will rule him out for up to three weeks.

Flankers James Haskell, of Wasps, and Pat Sanderson, of Worcester, have been cited by the Rugby Football Union for gouging in Saturday's 24-24 Premiership draw.