Bianchi red-card proved costly as Italy lose seventh place to Wales U20

Wales U20 25-24 Italy U20, Avchala Stadium
Scorecard

Phil Jones capitalised on the red card of Jacopo Bianchi as he kicked the decisive penalty in the 74th minute to help Wales secure the seventh place in the U20 Championship 2017 with a thrilling 25-24 win over Italy at Avchala Stadium on Sunday.

Even though Italy got off to a 0-6 lead with a double penalty from Antonio Rizzi in the first 15 minutes, a yellow card to Marco Zanon saw Wales open their account with fly-half Arwel Robson kicking the three pointer.

Lock Callum Bradbury got Wales into lead for the first time in the game when he crossed over in the 29th minute and Robson followed it with a conversion but Rizzi responded with his third penalty as the difference between the teams came down to one point.

Ryan Conbeer provided some breathing space for Wales with his try at the stroke of half time as they stretched their lead to six points.

Italy showed more intent in the second half with tries from Giovanni Licata and Dario Schiabel while Rizzi slotted a conversion and penalty as they had a lead of 15-24 with the final quarter just commencing. Fullback Phil ensured Wales were still in the game with his try in the 67th minute and Robson's conversion meant they were trailing by two points with six minutes to go.

This is when Bianchi was sent-off and Phil held his nerve to kick the decisive penalty that completed a one point victory for Wales, who claimed the seventh place this season.