Troncon revels in Murrayfield triumph

Alessandro Troncon is making the most of his return to the Italian national team following an absence of almost two years.

Coach Pierre Berbizier sprung a surprise by naming the 33-year-old in his squad before the start of the RBS 6 Nations and Troncon has repaid that faith with some outstanding play, particularly in Saturday’s 37-17 triumph at Scotland - the Azzurri’s first-ever away win in the competition.

The Clermont-Auvergne scrum-half excelled against England two weeks ago at Twickenham and was voted man of the match in London, just as he was against the Scots at Murrayfield.

Troncon capped off a magnificent performance in the historic win by driving over for his team’s final try.

He said: “I knew we could win after I scored that try late in the second half. Scotland made life difficult for us and it was a more difficult game to play than it may have seemed.

“It’s not easy to remain in control when you are leading 21-0 but we played well, particularly in the last stages of the game. We kept up the intensity, defended well, scored a try and that was important.

“It’s an historic achievement, we fought for it, kept going and believed it could be done.”

Troncon also feels Italy’s hard work of late is finally paying off. We have worked very hard in the past two weeks,” he said.

“We had a lot of pressure before this game and now it’s only right that we savour this win.”

This weekend’s outcome will give Berbizier’s men a morale boost in view of their remaining two games at the Stadio Flaminio, against Wales on March 10 and Ireland one week later.

“I think a new Six Nations tournament begins for us now,” said number eight Sergio Parisse, who was also outstanding in their victory over Scotland.

“We have two games left to play and we will continue to make life difficult for our opponents. We proved against Scotland that this team never gives up, that we will continue to battle until the final whistle.”