Italy winger Angelo Esposito will miss the Six Nations after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament tear that requires surgery.
Esposito scored twice in Benetton Treviso’s 27-14 Pro14 victory over Zebre on December 23 but limped off with a knee injury.
Tests revealed the 24-year-old, who has scored two tries in 15 appearances for Italy, needs an operation, ruling him out of the Six Nations.
“Benetton Rugby wishes Angelo a speedy recovery and an early return to the field,” an official club statement read.
Italy begin their campaign against England at the Stadio Olimpico on February 4.