Italians best in three-way battle

BROTHERS Francesco and Edoardo Molinari savoured a sweet victory after guiding Italy to an historic first World Cup title following a tense three-way final round battle with Ireland and Sweden.

Ireland had led for just over three rounds over the Olazabal course at Mission Hills Golf Club but failed to fire on the final day.

A four-under-par 68 in the final round alternate shot foursomes secured the success for the Italians, which the duo rank just behind Costantino Rocca’s runner-up finish at The Open in 1995 and back-to-back Ryder Cup wins in the history of the sport in the football mad nation.