Italy 37-31 Fiji
Italy centre has spleen removed after tackle
ESPN Staff
November 16, 2013
Martin Castrogiovanni and Italy's prop Michele Rizzo look for a way past Fiji's Viliame Veikoso, Italy v Fiji, Cremona, November 16, 2013
Italy won an often scrappy affair © Getty Images
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Italy centre Luca Morisi has undergone surgery to have his spleen removed after he was injured in the 37-31 victory over Fiji.

Morisi was floored by a crushing tackle from Asaeli Tikoirotuma in the opening minutes of the game. Although he returned following treatment he looked out of sorts was replaced shortly afterwards and was taken to hospital, where doctors decided to remove his damaged spleen.

An Italian team spokesman said: "The surgery was a complete success. His condition is stable."

Although Morisi's injury was in the normal run of play, the game was an ill-tempered affair. Fiji were handed five yellow cards - a new record at international level - and at one stage in the first half they were reduced to 11 men.

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