Argentina edge Italy 19-14 in Nations Championship

Italy 14-19 Argentina, Genoa

Argentina survived a late comeback from Italy to secure a hard-fought 19-14 victory in the Nations Championship at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa on Saturday.

Three tries helped Felipe Contepomi's side claim their second victory of the competition, while Italy suffered their fifth consecutive defeat despite earning their first losing bonus point.

Italy Strike Early Before Argentina Respond

Italy made a strong start when Monty Ioane collected Leonardo Marin's clever kick to score in the fourth minute. Tommaso Allan converted to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.

Argentina gradually took control of territory but struggled to turn their pressure into points.

Tomás Albornoz received a yellow card for a breakdown infringement before the half-hour mark.

However, Bautista Bernasconi crossed from a driving maul in the 38th minute, with Albornoz converting to level the scores at 7-7 before half-time.

Argentina Take Control After The Break

Rodrigo Isgró crossed in the corner in the 54th minute, although Albornoz's conversion struck the upright.

Italy replacement Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi was then sin-binned for repeated infringements.

Mateo Carreras capitalised five minutes later, scoring Argentina's third try. Albornoz converted to extend the advantage to 19-7.

Italy Fight Back In Tense Finish

Argentina's discipline faltered when Joel Sclavi received a yellow card for illegally stopping a driving maul.

Efraín Elías was subsequently sin-binned for collapsing another maul, resulting in a penalty try that reduced Italy's deficit to 19-14.

Despite facing 13 players, Italy struggled to find a breakthrough.

Their final opportunity disappeared when Paolo Garbisi's penalty kick went dead instead of finding touch.

Argentina held on to move third in the Southern Hemisphere standings, while Italy remained bottom of the Northern Hemisphere group.