Italy are hopeful captain Sergio Parisse will be fit for next Saturday's Six Nations opener against Ireland despite suffering a dislocated finger.
The number eight suffered the injury during Stade Francais's clash with Castres in the French Top 14 on Thursday.
But tests on Saturday showed the injury to be less serious than originally expected.
"Fortunately the dislocation didn't cause any nerve damage and we're confident he will recover to play against Ireland in Rome on February 5," said Italy team doctor Roberto Pozzoni.
