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Italy counting the cost

Griffen is the main injury concern for Italy

Italy's opening Rugby World Cup victory, 24-18 over Romania, came at some cost, with five players subsequently suffering from injuries in the bruising encounter.

Santiago Dellapè injured his leg in the act of scoring the opening try of the game, in just the seventh minute, and the he was followed from the field in the second half with further injuries to Paul Griffen and Josh Sole.

"It doesn't bother me when I walk, but it does when I stretch my leg a little bit," Dellapè told IRB.

Dellapè is expected to recover in time for Italy's next game, against Portugal on Wednesday, according to team manager Carlo Checchinato.

"Dellapè has a slight muscular problem in his left thigh. It's a minor injury and he should be able to recover in time for Portugal. We'll see in the next few days, but there shouldn't be further problems," Checchinato said.

Checchinato was also able to update the injury concerns hanging over Griffen and Sole.

"Josh Sole suffered a knock to his left hamstring and we'll be able to discuss his recovery timeline in the next couple of days," he added.

"Paul Griffen took a hit to his lumbar region and we will have to evaluate him, while Ramiro Pez suffered a knock to his left shoulder."

Meanwhile hooker Carlo Festuccia was on crutches at the team hotel.

"Festuccia took a hit to his right shinbone," said Checchinato.

"It was during the first few minutes of the match and he could complete the 80 minutes, which indicates there are good chances of a speedy recovery."

This quintet of players join prop Salvatore Perugini, who is recovering from a slight sprain in his left ankle, on the sidelines, although the good news for coach Pierre Berbizier is that they should all recover in time to face Portugal.