Italy captain Sergio Parisse in race to be fit for World Cup opener

Number-eight Sergio Parisse could miss Italy's Rugby World Cup opener after having fluid drained from his left leg.

The Italy captain had an operation in Paris on Monday after suffering the injury in Saturday's 23-19 defeat to Wales in Cardiff.

The 31-year-old Stade Francais man is therefore a doubt for the Azzurri's World Cup opener against France at Twickenham in 11 days' time.

An Italian statement read: "Updates on the player's recovery timescale will be transmitted in the coming days."

Italy are in Pool D at the upcoming tournament with France, Ireland, Canada and Romania.