Italy captain Nicotera withdraws due to rib iInjury ahead of Second Test

Italy have suffered a blow ahead of their second Test in South Africa as captain Giacomo Nicotera has been ruled out due to a rib injury sustained during warm-up training in Gqeberha.

The hooker, who missed the first Test, will now return home for further assessment and recovery.

Nicotera, sidelined since the Pretoria clash, has been withdrawn from the tour following discomfort during a light training session ahead of their match scheduled for 12 July in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Stepping up in Nicotera’s absence, lock Niccolò Cannone has taken on the captain’s armband. He led the Azzurri through the first Test and will continue to guide the side in Gqeberha.

To fill the gap, hooker Giampietro Ribaldi has been drafted into the squad from Zebre. Ribaldi had already joined the touring party earlier this week.