Italy 24-27 England: England’s narrow Six Nations win leaves Italy wondering what could have been

 ROME -- Italy fell short of claiming a major scalp against the World Cup bronze medallists in Rome but showed signs of improvement under Gonzalo Quesada. Having led 17-14 at half-time, England turned the game around shortly after the break through Alex Mitchell’s superb individual try and George Ford’s conversion. The comeback undid much of Italy’s good work and left Gli Azzurri wondering what could have been.

 Italy had started confidently and took the lead within the first five minutes after Tommaso Allan converted a penalty. That lead was extended soon after, as Lorenzo Cannone’s surging run broke England lines and fed Alessandro Garbisi to score, giving Italy a 10-0 leading. Much of their first-half exploits came through exposing England’s narrow defence, as Quesada’s side pressed high and threatened to break England lines on numerous occasions.

 Although England responded through George Ford’s penalty and Elliot Daly’s try, Gli Azzurri continued in strong style. Italy’s best moment of the match saw Juan Ignacio Brex work the space down England’s left, leaving Tommaso Menoncello able to feed Allan who stormed through to score. Italy’s game plan was working and left Gli Azzurri with their noses in front.

 If the first-half display was much improved, the second half demonstrated a return to old ways. Errors crept into the Italian game, epitomised by Allan’s missed penalty on 58 minutes. England grew in confidence, forcing mistakes from Quesada’s side and allowing Steve Borthwick’s team to dominate proceedings in a largely non-descript second half.

 Quesada’s side had the last say as Monty Ioane powered his way through the England defence to score on 85 minutes, with Paolo Garbisi duly converting with the last kick of the game. That meant Italy came away with a bonus point, but a meaningful result had already slipped away.

 This could be seen as a missed opportunity for Quesada’s team, having led at half-time against a new-look England that had struggled to settle in the initial period. Italy will be disappointed they were unable to withstand England pressure after the break, serving as a reminder of old habits and the work needed to cut the gap on rugby’s best.

 And yet, the performance was also an indication of the foundations being put in place. Quesada’s game plan had worked well in the first half as Italy showed glimpses of quality, and the willingness to fight for the bonus point was a marker of this side’s character. This young Italian team can only get better and will soon be able to rely on the attacking talent of winger Ange Capuozzo, who had been ruled out of this encounter through illness. Although England came away with the spoils, it was their narrowest ever win over Gli Azzurri.

 Italy are next in action next Sunday when they travel to Ireland and, if they can build on this spirited performance, Quesada’s new era at the helm of Italian rugby is heading in the right direction.

 jp-b