Italy went toe-to-toe with England in
the first half of their Six Nations match at Twickenham on
Sunday but collapsed after the break and ended up losing 47-24.
Tom Willis went over for the home team after just four minutes
in what looked like an ominous start for the visitors.
But the Azzurri's Star fullback Ange Capuozzo latched on to a
sweet chip by winger Monty Ioane to touch down 10 minutes later
and Paolo Garbisi converted to level the scores.
A try by Tommy Freeman had England back in front on 27 minutes.
Italy number eight Ross Vintcent quickly replied after being set
up by Capuozzo dancing through the English in the middle of the
park and Garbisi's boot brought the score to 14-14.
Parity did not last long, with an Ollie Sleightholme try putting
the hosts back in command.
But Garbisi slotted home a penalty to cut the deficit to four
points before half time.
That was as good as it got for Italy.
Substitute Marcus Smith broke through to score at the start of
the second half, Tom Curry went over soon after and Sleightholme
then notched his second try to effectively put an end to the
Italian resistance.
Centre Tommaso Menoncello burst through from short range in the
71st minute but it was only a consolation score and England had
the last word with a Ben Earl try.
Italy go into next week's final game against title-chasing
Ireland in fifth place with four points, one point more than
bottom side Wales.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
