Stade Francais loose forward Sergio Parisse has been named Italy captain by coach Nick Mallett, the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) said.

The Argentine-born player takes the captain's armband from Gloucester lock Marco Bortolami, who led the Azzurri 37 times and is still part of the squad. The 24-year old, who usually plays number eight, has 48 caps.

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