Italy count cost of victory

Walking wounded: Paul Griffen was one of five Italian players injured against Romania

MARSEILLE, 13 September - Italy's first win of the IRB Rugby World Cup came at a cost, with five players suffering injuries in the 24-18 defeat of Romania at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Wednesday.

Second row Santiago Dellapè scored Italy's opening try in the seventh minute, but was then forced to leave the field with a leg injury to be replaced by Valerio Bernabò. The second half saw scrum half Paul Griffen and flanker Josh Sole leave the field injured.

"It doesn't bother me when I walk, but it does when I stretch my leg a little bit," said Dellapè.

However, the second row is expected to recover in time for Italy's next Pool C match against Portugal at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Wednesday, 19 September, according to team manager and former Italy international Carlo Checchinato.

"Dellapè has a slight muscular problem in his left thigh. It's a minor injury and he should be able to recover in time for Portugal. We'll see in the next few days, but there shouldn't be further problems," Checchinato said.

Minor concerns for coach

Checchinato also provided an update on the injuries to Sole and Griffen, saying: "Josh Sole suffered a knock to his left hamstring and we'll be able to discuss his recovery timeline in the next couple of days.

"Paul Griffen took a hit to his lumbar region and we will have to evaluate him, while (fly half and man of the match) Ramiro Pez suffered a knock to his left shoulder."

Meanwhile hooker Carlo Festuccia was on crutches at the Radisson SAS Vieux Port Hotel lobby before the team's departure to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, the place they chose to escape from a crowded Marseille and concentrate on what lies ahead.

"Festuccia took a hit to his right shinbone," said Checchinato. "It was during the first few minutes of the match and he could complete the 80 minutes, which indicates there are good chances of a speedy recovery."

This quintet of players join prop Salvatore Perugini, who is recovering from a slight sprain in his left ankle, on the sidelines, although the good news for coach Pierre Berbizier is that they should all recover in time to face Portugal.

RNS shg/kb/gs