Rugby-Minozzi absence confirmed as Smith names Italy Six Nations squad

ROME, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Italy head coach Franco Smith has named a 32-man squad for the Six Nations, but will be without star full-back Matteo Minozzi after the Wasps player opted out of the tournament.

Minozzi, who has scored 11 tries in 22 caps for his country, wrote on social media that he was "physically and mentally tired, too much so to live in a bubble for another two months".

Smith has called up four uncapped players: prop Daniele Rimpelli and hooker Marco Manfredi of Zebre, Mogliano Rugby second row Riccardo Favretto and Benetton centre Juan Ignacio Brex.

Brex and Benetton team-mates Tommaso Allan, Callum Braley, Marco Riccioni and Federico Ruzza will join up with the squad on Sunday, allowing them to feature in their club's Pro 14 clash with Munster on Jan. 30.

Italy open their Six Nations campaign at home to France on Saturday Feb. 6, before facing England at Twickenham on Feb. 13. (Reporting by Alasdair Mackenzie; Editing by Nick Macfie)