Niccolo Cannone banned for four matches

Italy lock Niccolo Cannone has been handed a four-match suspension following his red card against New Zealand in the Nations Championship, ruling him out of this weekend’s Test against Australia.

Niccolò Cannone Banned After Red Card

Cannone was sanctioned after an incident involving All Blacks scrum-half Cam Roigard during Italy’s 47-17 defeat to New Zealand in Wellington.

The lock was initially shown a yellow card in the second half, but the decision was upgraded to red following review. Italy were reduced to 14 men for 20 minutes as New Zealand went on to secure a comfortable victory.

Italy Lock Suspended For Four Matches

The Foul Play Review Committee found Cannone guilty of physical abuse. The offence was judged to meet the low-end entry point of a six-match ban.

However, the sanction was reduced by two matches after Cannone accepted that the act was worthy of a red card. His disciplinary record, conduct and remorse were also taken into account.

As a result, Cannone has been suspended from all forms of rugby for four matches.

Italy To Miss Cannone Against Australia

The suspension means Cannone will be unavailable for Italy’s Nations Championship clash with Australia in Perth on Saturday.

He is also set to miss three matches for Benetton Rugby when the new United Rugby Championship season begins in September.