Italy will be without Ange Capuozzo for the remainder of the Six Nations after the Toulouse full-back suffered a serious shoulder injury against France at the weekend, the Italian Rugby Federation announced on Tuesday.
Capuozzo scored Italy's only try in the 33-8 defeat in Lille but came off worst when tackled 10 minutes from time by club teammate Anthony Jelonch.
The 26-year-old's absence from the field combined with a yellow card for Louis Lynagh meant Italy played the last few minutes with just 13 men.
Capuozzo underwent tests on Monday that confirmed Italian fears.
It means the 26-year-old will miss their last two matches against England in Rome on 7 March and Wales in Cardiff a week later.
It also jeopardises his chances of being available for Toulouse's Champions Cup round of 16 tie against Bristol on 4 April and, if they win that, a possible quarterfinal match-up the following week with holders Bordeaux-Begles.
Sunday's match was Capuozzo's first since 28 December when he broke a finger playing against La Rochelle.