Italy captain Sergio Parisse was suspended for eight weeks over an eye-gouging incident in his team's loss 27-6 to New Zealand on Saturday.

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Parisse was cited to appear before an International Rugby Board judiciary after he appeared to briefly make contact with the eyes of New Zealand lock Isaac Ross during the second half of the match.

The judiciary viewed television footage of the incident and listened to evidence from players and officials at an inquiry in Christchurch.

The judiciary found that Parisse had not acted intentionally but deemed his actions were reckless and warranted a penalty.

Parisse was charged with a lower-range offence which carried a recommended sentence of 12 weeks but was reduced to eight weeks because of mitigating circumstances.

The panel noted that the Italian skipper's initial contact with Ross had been on his cheek before his hands slipped to the eye. The contact with the eye was only brief and Ross was not injured in the incident.

Because Italy are now in their off-season, Parisse's suspension was delayed until the start of the Italian club season on August 2. He would be eligible to resume playing on September 26.