Italy chalk long-awaited win

Italy 24 Samoa 6

Luke McLean’s first-half try set Italy on the way to their first win since June 2008 against Samoa at the Stadio del Duca this afternoon.

Mirco Bergamasco kicked eight points, while a penalty try late in the game put the seal on the victory.

Titi Esau kicked two penalties for the tourists in the first half.

Nick Mallett’s Italy side went into the game at Ascoli Piceno looking to end a 13-match run of defeats.

They had to do so without captain Sergio Parisse, who was this week ruled out for at least four months with a serious right knee injury, and against a side they had not beaten in their three previous Test meetings.

Mallett made six changes to the team which lost 32-10 to South Africa last weekend and the new line-up responded with a determined display, building a 14-6 lead by half-time

Mirco Bergamasco kicked two penalties and Craig Gower one for the home side, while Tito Tebaldi sent over a drop goal.

Bergamasco also converted the penalty try.

Samoa were unable to register a score after in the second 40 minutes and to make matters worse had Henry Fa’afili sent off for a high tackle on McLean.