Sergio Parisse is confident he will be ready for the Rugby World Cup showdown with Ireland after joining up with the Italy squad on Tuesday.

The Azzurri have been without their enigmatic captain for the opening two matches of Pool D after he was hampered by a haematoma in his right calf.

His return to the 31-man squad was confirmed on Monday and team doctor Vincenzo Ieracitano says the number eight believes he will be match fit in time for Sunday's match at the Olympic Stadium.

"He hasn't been training for three weeks and will now be trying to play a massive match on Sunday," said Ieracitano. "He's happy to be here and confident he will be able to play.

"He has been continuing the physiotherapy that he was undergoing in Paris. 

"Tomorrow he will definitely train with the rest of the squad, then on Thursday he will go through a fitness test in the gym and if that goes well, we will see how he gets on in training and then we will have another check to see if he can play."

But while Parisse could be set for his first appearance, Italy will be without vice-captain Leonardo Ghiraldini for the crucial clash.

Ieracitano added: "He suffered a slight pull of the hip flexor in his right leg. 

"The cryotherapy treatment has helped a lot with his recovery and we will check on him again on Thursday. 

"It is not likely that he will be back on Sunday, but he is almost certain to be back for the match after [against Romania]."