Italy captain Sergio Parisse has declared the Azzurri’s remaining World Cup group games “must-win” ahead of Saturday’s game against Canada at Elland Road.
The 32-year-old, who missed the 32-10 defeat to France through injury, thought Italy were unfortunate to be on the losing side in their opening encounter, but they must quickly find a winning formula if they are to progress to the knock-out stages for the first time in their history.
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“When you come to a World Cup, you always have to be confident in every game,” Parisse told Sport360.
“I thought we were unlucky in the game against France. We played well for large parts and were the better team, but small lapses in concentration cost us and we need to learn from that.
“Anything can happen at a World Cup, look what Japan did against South Africa, anything is possible. Saturday is a must win game and Canada can’t be underestimated. I think we need to be looking, now, to win all our remaining group games. I have faith in my team.”
The Stade Francais number eight is confident he’ll be fit in time to face the Canadians after recovering from surgery on a haematoma in his calf.
” I told my team there’s no harm in dreaming. In rugby, when there’s heart, will and belief, you can’t be stopped” Sergio parisse 2011 6N
— Claire Purdy (@Purdy_C) September 21, 2015
“I was disappointed not to make the opening game, but think I’ll be ready [to face Canada]. I’ve been in Paris this week with a specialist and have had scans and it’s looking promising. I won’t risk it if I’m not 100% fit, but I’m doing all I can to make myself available for selection this weekend.”
The same cannot be said, however, for centre Andrea Masi, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after tearing his Achilles tendon against France.
Parisse was sympathetic towards the Wasps player, but backed the Italian backroom staff to pick the right replacement when it comes to it.
“It’s very upsetting to see a teammate leaving after such a terrible injury. We wish him all the best in his recovery and hope he’ll be back playing again soon,” he said.
“I’m sure whoever the staff choose to replace Andrea [Masi] will be the right fit. We all have faith in the staff we have here and will move on and try and do Andrea [Masi] proud.”
