Italy handed major injury blow ahead of England match

During the third round of the 2026 Six Nations in Lille between France and Italy, the Italian fullback was forced off the field with a left shoulder problem. On Monday, the Italian Rugby Federation confirmed the nature of the injury.

The Stade Toulousain player is suffering from a sprain to his acromioclavicular joint and returned to Toulouse with his arm in a sling. In an official statement, the federation announced: “The player will return to his club and follow the rehabilitation program agreed upon by the Stade Toulousain medical staff and the men’s national team.”

Although born and raised in France, Capuozzo qualifies for Italy through his paternal grandparents. He started his professional career at Grenoble before joining Stade Toulousain in 2022. After representing Italy at U20 and Italy A levels, he made his senior debut against Scotland in the 2022 Six Nations.

His absence is a significant setback for Italy ahead of their upcoming meeting with England in Rome. The Azzurri are hoping to secure their first-ever victory over England in what will be the 33rd encounter between the two sides. Capuozzo scored a try against England at Allianz Stadium in last year’s Six Nations, though Steve Borthwick’s team ultimately claimed a 47–24 win.

While no official timeline has been given, Capuozzo is widely expected to be sidelined for several weeks, ruling him out for the remainder of the championship. The setback is particularly frustrating for the Toulouse fullback, who had already missed Italy’s first two matches of this year’s tournament after fracturing his finger in a Top 14 fixture against La Rochelle.