Italy will go into today’s Six Nations clash against Wales with coach Jacques Brunel insisting the Azzurri are not a one-man team.

But it remains to be seen whether or not Italy can overcome the loss of their imperious captain Sergio Parisse.

The Stade Francais number eight was sent off playing for his club against Bordeaux-Begles last weekend, and subsequently received a 40-day ban, 10 days of which were suspended.

Parisse is set to appeal that punishment, which was imposed for insulting referee Laurent Cardona, with a hearing likely next week.

But as things stand he is sidelined until March 18, ruling him out of Six Nations appointments with Wales, England and Ireland.

Leicester prop Martin Castrogiovanni has been handed leadership duties at the Stadio Olimpico, with Fiji-born Treviso number eight Manoa Vosawai taking Parisse’s back-row place.

“We have to look at this game against Wales with ambition,” Brunel said.

“I think we can win it despite the absence of Parisse. There are lots of players who are very influential in the game. Sergio is undoubtedly one of them, but he isn’t the only one.

“We can’t think this team is dependent on one player.”

Today: 15.30 Italy vs Wales. 18.00 England vs France.

Tomorrow: 15.00 Scotland vs Ireland.