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    ROME, Italy -- A late try by flanker Mauro Bergamasco gave Italy an historic 23-20 win over Wales at Rome's Stadio Flaminio on Saturday. The flanker went over in the 78th minute to give Italy their second win in a row, the first time Italy have won two games in the tournament since joining the tournament in 2000. The game ended in some controversy after Wales were awarded a penalty well within range and Hook kicked for a line-out instead of going for the kick at goal which would have secured a draw. Wales seemed to believe that referee Chris White had said there was time for one more play, but the official blew the final whistle as Wales prepared to restart. The whistle sparked wild celebrations amongst the Italians as deflated Wales trudged off after their third successive loss in the tournament this season.. After opening up a six-point half-time advantage, Italy lost their early swagger, allowing Wales to storm into a 20-13 lead. Italy refused to give in, and after chipping away at the deficit, Bergamasco's late score sealed a memorable victory. He could, however, be in trouble after punching Wales captain Stephen Jones in the first half, forcing Jones to leave the field for four stitches. Kaine Robertson scored Italy's other try, while Ramiro Pez's boot contributed 13 points. Shane Williams and Matthew Rees scored Wales' tries. Italy thought they had taken the lead in the third minute when Matteo Pratichetti went over in the corner, but the try was ruled out as Gonzalo Canale's lay-off was judged to have been a forward pass. Pez's penalty from 50 metres fell short only for the Argentina-born fly-half to quickly make amends with an easier kick to put Italy ahead. Wales responded with a sweeping move which almost brought them a try, Bergamasco just getting to the ball ahead of Shane Williams after Kevin Morgan had chipped a pass into the corner. More Welsh indiscipline enabled Italy to stretch their advantage as Pez drilled another penalty between the posts, before Canale left the field with an ankle injury. Maurizio Zaffiri came in at flanker and Mauro Bergamasco moved to center. The switch seemed to unsettle Italy who, despite their territorial domination, found themselves trailing after 28 minutes. The Italians were all at sea as Tom Shanklin released the overlapping Shane Williams, and he outpaced Bergamasco to touch down under the posts for his 29th try in 45 Tests. Cut eyeJones slotted the conversion before leaving the field with a cut eye after his clash with Bergamasco. Italy recovered their composure to regain the lead three minutes before half time. Robertson chased his own punt downfield and found himself one-on-one with Ian Gough, and the New Zealand-born Italy wing, too fast for the Welsh front row, nipped in to land the Azzurri's first try. Jones returned for the second half but left a 43rd minute penalty to James Hook, who reduced the deficit to three points. Wales maintained the momentum, taking the lead two minutes later when Rees capitalized on some brittle Italian defending for his side's second try. Hook made no mistake with the conversion to put the visitors 13-17 in front. A Hook penalty pulled Wales further clear only for Pez to quickly respond with one of his own. With time running out, Bergamasco ran onto Pez's intelligent chip to touch down in the 78th minute, sending the home fans wild with delight. Pez claimed the extra two points and the Azzurri raised their arms in triumph. |
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Bergamasco's try gave Italy their second successive Six Nations triumph.
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