Banned Parisse to miss Tonga Test
It rules him out of this weekend's Test against Tonga, the Italian rugby federation (FIR) said.
Parisse was sanctioned for an incident while playing with his French Top 14 club Stade Francais against Bordeaux on November 5.
According to a short statement by the FIR, Parisse "has been suspended for three weeks by Top 14 disciplinary officials. The Italy captain will miss Saturday's Test against Tonga."
Parisse, the first Italian to be nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year award, earned an Italian record 121st cap in last weekend's historic 20-18 win over South Africa in Florence.
A replacement for Italy's No.8 will be announced on Thursday, added the FIR.
* Meanwhile Tonga coach Tutai Kefu on Wednesday announced his starting XV for the Test against Italy in Padova.
Italy welcome the south Pacific islanders on Saturday a week after making history by beating South Africa for the first time in 13 attempts.
A week earlier, Italy suffered a 68-10 defeat to a New Zealand All Blacks' B team in Rome in what was Azzurri coach Conor O'Shea's first home game in charge.
Italy have played Tonga four times, winning three and losing once.
Tonga have arrived in Italy fresh from a 28-13 win over Spain in Madrid.
Tonga: 15 David Halaifonua, 14 Nafi Tu'Itavake, 13 Siale Piutau (captain), 12 Latiume Fosita, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Kali Hala, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Tevita Koloamatangi, 7 Jack Ram, 6 Dan Faleafa, 5 Jon Tu'Ineau, 4 Steve Mafi, 3 Siua Halanukonuka, 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Tevita Mailau.
Replacements: 16 Elvis Taione, 17 Paea Fa'Anunu, 18 Sila Puafisi, 19 Valentino Mapapalangi, 20 Kotoni Ale, 21 Tomasi Palu, 22 Tevita Taufui, 23 Cooper Vuna.
Date: Saturday, November 26
Venue: Stadio Euganeo, Padova
Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT; 04.00, Sunday, November 27 Tongan time)
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Alex Ruiz (France), Andrew Brace (Ireland)
TMO: Jon Mason (Wales)
Agence France-Presse
