Italy recovered from a poor begin to earn a hardfought 20-17 win over Georgia in Genoa on Sunday, after the guests let slip an 11-point half-time lead.
After final weekend’s 50-18 loss to Argentina, the Italians had been determined to impress, and so they have had Georgia on their minds since shedding the final assembly between the edges in 2022.
Italy misplaced captain Michele Lamaro by means of damage after two minutes and the sport remained scoreless till a Paolo Garbisi penalty within the twenty second minute. Georgia responded instantly with a attempt from Akaki Tabutsaze, transformed by Luka Matkava.
The edges traded penalties earlier than Georgian Davit Niniashvili collected a kick inside his personal half and set off on a mazy run, beating three Italian defenders earlier than releasing captain Vasil Lobzhanidze to attain underneath the posts.
Matkava transformed once more however Italy’s restoration started within the 53rd minute with a penalty attempt for an intentional knock-on by Tabutsaze who was additionally despatched to the sin bin.
Italy hit the entrance 10 minutes later after they crossed the attempt line for the primary time after Alessandro Fusco squeezed by means of a niche and Garbisi went over to place the house facet three factors forward.
Matt Gallagher missed his second penalty of the match to go away the sport on a knife edge heading into the ultimate minutes, however Italy emerged with confidence restored earlier than they tackle New Zealand subsequent Saturday of their ultimate November check.
