Italy’s Sergio Parisse faces Rugby World Cup fitness battle

• Captain has fluid drained from left leg following injury against Wales• No8 crucial to coach Jacques Brunel’s plans for Pool D opener against FranceSergio Parisse faces a World Cup fitness fight after having fluid drained from his left leg. The Italy No8 had an operation in Paris on Monday after being injured in Saturday’s 23-19 defeat by Wales in Cardiff.The 31-year-old Italy captain has a battle on his hands to be fit for their World Cup opener against France at Twickenham on 19 September. Italy will be desperate to have their leader and back-rower in the side. Continue reading...