Australia return back to winning ways after beating Italy 7-26

Italy 7-26 Australia, Stadio Euganeo
Scorecard

Australia managed to get their first win in the November internationals as they defeated Italy 7-26 at Stadio Euganeo on Saturday.

This is also Australia's second win in the last six games and their first in the ongoing European tour after they were edged out by Wales 9-6 last weekend. The game also saw Adam Ashley-Cooper making his 117th appearance for the Wallabies after returning to the national set up following a gap of two years.

Australia dominated the initial part of the game with their attacks but it did not pay dividend. Italy responded when Braam Steyn gathered a long pass and touched down at right corner but his effort was disallowed as he had a foot in the touch.

The first points in the game came during the half-hour mark when David Pocock offloaded to Marika Koroibete, who in turn dotted down and Matt Toomua followed with a conversion. Koroibete soon got his second in the next five minutes as Australia doubled their lead to 14 points heading into the break.

The visitors were quickly to get off the block in the second half when Taniela Tupou defeated Tito Tebaldi to score his side's third try and once again Toomua was spot on with the extras as Australia scored 21 unanswered points.

Italy's first points in the game came in the 46th minute when a wayward pass from Bernard Foley was collected by Mattia Bellini as he raced away for a try that was improved by Tommaso Allan. Australia were reduced to 14-men temporarily when Scott Sio was sin-binned in the 60th minute for a deliberate knock-on.

Italy failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage but instead Will Genia with his 79th minute try ensured Michael Cheika's side completed a 7-26 victory.