Injuries have forced Italy coach Brad Johnstone to trim his squad to 22 players for Saturday's Six Nations match with Ireland in Dublin.

Forwards Andrea Muraro and Salvatore Garozzo have pulled out with injuries, while centre Walter Pozzebon, who had been added as a precaution, will not play because of an injured arm that has kept him out of all the Six Nations matches.

Italy had already lost the services of fullback Paolo Vaccari, No 8 Carlo Checchinato and reserve scrumhalf Juan Manuel Queirolo.

Johnstone (pictured) has added Calvisano forward Andrea Moretti to his party to travel to Dublin and while he will not play, Pozzebon will travel to the Irish capital.

Forwards Alessandro Moscardi, Federico Pucciarello and Santiago Dellape are all carrying knocks but should be fit, while Romanian-born centre Cristian Stoica is also one of the walking wounded.

Italy have been preparing for this match in the relatively calm surroundings of Frascati near Rome after a player rebellion against the more Spartan conditions of the Tirrenia training camp near Pisa in Tuscany.

Johnstone had originally only called up one of his 'non-Italians' - South African Gert Peens - but when Checchinato was forced out last week he had to call-up new Zealander Matthew Phillips.

During the 44-20 defeat by Wales in Cardiff, Johnstone angered many by having both on the field at the same time, contrary to Italian rugby rules but not against tournament regulations.

Squad:

Forwards: Mauro Bergamasco, Alessandro Moscardi (capt), Santiago Dellape, Aaron Persico, Matthew Phillips, Giampiero De Carli, Andrea De Rossi, Andrea Moretti, Marco Bortolami, Mark Giacheri, Salvatore Perugini, Federico Pucciarello.

Backs: Denis Dallan, Matteo Mazzantini, Roberto Pedrazzi, Cristian Zanoletti, Diego Dominguez, Gert Peens, Ramiro Pez, Giovanni Raineri, Cristian Stoica, Alessandro Troncon.