Cioffi stars as Italy U20 stun Ireland U20 with one point victory

Ireland U20 21-22 Italy U20, AIA Arena
Scorecard

Fullback Massimo Cioffi scored the decisive converted try as Italy went on to beat Ireland by 21-22 in a thrilling World Rugby U20 Championship encounter on Wednesday at AIA Arena.

An unstoppable driving maul resulted in Italy's first try that came in 10th minute through Danilo Fischetti while six minutes later, flanker Jacopo Bianchi also went past the line as they claimed a 12 point lead.

Fly-half Conor Dean opened Ireland's account with a 27th minute penalty but was negated by his counterpart Antonio Rizzi, who responded with a drop goal, a minute later as Italy secured their 12 point lead at half time.

However, Italy's hopes were dashed at the start of the second half when Ireland winger Calvin Nash strolled past the post two times in a span of six minutes. A conversion from Dean meant, the scores were levelled 15-15 at the end of the third quarter.

A penalty each from Dean and centre Ciaran Frawley helped Ireland gain a six point lead heading into the final 10 minutes but Cioffi had other plans as he scored a converted try to reclaim a one point lead for Italy.

Ireland had a golden chance to bounce back as Italy conceded a late penalty but Dean couldn't quite capitalise on it as they succumbed to a one point defeat.