Niccolo Taddia's last-gasp try leads Italy U20 to 26-27 thrilling win over Scotland U20
Scotland U20 26-27 Italy U20, Stade de la Mediterranee, Beziers
Scorecard
Replacement Niccolo Taddia scored a try in the added minutes as Italy edged out Scotland 26-27 in their World Rugby U20 Championship encounter at Stade de la Mediterranee on Wednesday.
Charlie Chapman's penalty in the 10th minute remained the only points in the game during the first quarter as Scotland had a slender three-point lead. Italy's first points came in the 28th minute when they were awarded a penalty try but back to back touchdowns from Ross Dunbar and Chapman in the 33rd and 38th minutes put Scotland into a 13-7 lead.
Italy suffered a setback when the half-time was approaching as they were reduced to 14-men temporarily when Giovanni D'Onofrio was sin-binned.
Despite, being down on the numbers, it was Italy, who got their first points on the board after the break with a penalty kick from Antonio Rizzi but Scotland seemed to have complete control of the game when Paddy Dewhirst dotted down in the 52nd minute and Chapman slotted a conversion and a penalty on either side to make the scoreline 23-10.
D'Onofrio made a strong comeback from the sin-bin with a 59th minute try and soon Alessandro Forcucci also followed the suit as they narrowed down the gap to four points with the final 10 minutes left in the game.
Forcucci in the 76th minute was yellow-carded was a deliberate knock-on but Italy continued to press on despite the set back with Taddia scoring the decisive try in the added minutes to complete a 26-27 win.
Italy captain Michele Lamaro said: "We're very proud of all the team, the replacements made a big difference and changed the game for us."
Scotland captain Stafford McDowall said: "I think it is clear this team has come a long way from the Six Nations and I think we have a lot more to give. We'll come back stronger for Sunday."
