Castrogiovanni ruled out of Ireland clash in Dublin

Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni will miss his side's Six Nations clash with Ireland after being banned for two weeks for stamping on Scotland's Duncan Taylor.

The 34-year old prop came on as a second-half replacement during Italy's 36-20 Six Nations defeat in Rome, and appeared to aim a stamp at Taylor's foot.

Castrogiovanni, who has been capped 118 times, admitted the offence at a disciplinary hearing in London on Wednesday and will now sit out the next Six Nations match against Ireland in Dublin on March 12.

Castrogiovanni has been banned for stamping on Scotland's Duncan Taylor

Upon announcing the decision, the committee in charge of the hearing said they had "found that the act of foul play warranted a red card," but that it "was at the lower end of World Rugby's sanctions, carrying a two-week suspension."

The suspension is a huge blow for Italy, who have failed to win any of their three matches in this year's campaign.