Parisse in fitness battle for Ireland

Italy captain Sergio Parisse faces a battle to recover from a neck injury in time to face Ireland in Rome on Saturday.

The ageless Italian captain underwent an MRI scan on Sunday night following Italy's 33-7 6 Nations defeat to Wales at the Stadio Olimpico.

Italy's medics believe Parisse has avoided serious injury, but must still prove his match fitness this week.

Head coach Conor O'Shea will doubtless give the 122-cap player as much time as possible to recover.

"Parisse yesterday underwent an MRI scan after trauma to his neck that he reported from the match," said Italy team manager Luigi Troiani.

"The examination did not show anything special, and already this morning he showed great signs of improvement.

"Tomorrow we hope to get him back on the pitch, to start to prepare for the match against Ireland."