Italy captain Sergio Parisse underwent knee surgery today and will be sidelined for six months.

The Stade Francais flanker had his anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed in his right knee after getting hurt in training this week.

Parisse will miss all of the Azzurri's RBS 6 Nations matches.

Italy's national team doctor Gianluca Melegati said in a statement: "The surgery has gone well and the player will be released from hospital on Tuesday.

"Parisse will be able to walk with the help of crutches and will immediately begin physiotherapy.

"The time of recovery is estimated at 180 days."

Nick Mallett's Italy ended a 13-game losing streak by beating Samoa 24-6 yesterday in Ascoli Piceno.