Two Azzurri players, Alessandro Zanni and Staibano, had been put through medical tests to see if they were fit for the tournament.

Zanni should now play in France but 24-year-old Staibano, called up as a replacement for the injured Carlo Del Fava, has been ruled out.

A statement on the Italian Rugby Federation, www.federugby.it, website read: The technical staff of the national team, having listened to the opinions of medical staff and having evaluated the outcome of tests on Fabio Staibano have decided that the physical conditions of this player - originally not included in the list of 30 and called in after second-row forward Carlo Del Fava withdrew - are not ideal to continue preparing for the 2007 World Cup in France, making it necessary for the player to return to his club of origin (Overmach Parma).

In the next few days, after the Test match with Japan, head coach Pierre Berbizier and all the national staff of the national team will reveal the name of his replacement.