Italy captain Sergio Parisse has been banned for eight weeks after being found guilty of eye gouging New Zealand lock Isaac Ross.

The incident occurred in the 58th minute of the Test match in Christchurch on Saturday, which New Zealand won 27-6.

Parisse was cited for "contact with the eyes or eye area" by citing commissioner Peter Larter after the game at AMI Stadium and the big Italian number eight appeared before judicial officer Paul Tully on Sunday.

After viewing footage of the incident, hearing evidence from Parisse and reading reports from the match officials Tully decided the action fell within the lower range of offending, as it was reckless and not deemed intentional, which has an entry point of 12 weeks suspension.

However in light of mitigating factors, which included the fact that the contact was brief, had occurred in the open and there was no injury to Ross' eye and the initial contact had been with the cheek, and the fact Parisse had a previously excellent disciplinary record at international level, Tully decided eight weeks was sufficient punishment.

With Parisse now heading into the northern hemisphere off-season, the suspension will commence from August 2 - the start of the Italian club season, and will conclude at midnight on Saturday 26 September.