Pratichetti to miss trip

Italy coach Nick Mallett will be without winger Matteo Pratichetti for the Six Nations championship match against Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.

Shoulder injury rules out out Italy winger

Matteo Pratichetti is set to miss Italy's RBS Six Nations opener against Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday. The Calvisano winger has suffered a shoulder injury, with the Italian Rugby Federation confirming he would now miss the trip to Dublin. According the IRF, the 22-year-old Pratichetti has returned to his club for treatment of the injury. Pratichetti has won eight caps - and scored four tries - since making his debut for Italy against the All Blacks in 2004. Italy coach Nick Mallett is set to name his first Italy team for his debut Six Nations match as coach on Wednesday.