It was meant to be a routine win for the Ireland U20s, in their quest for a third Six Nations Grand Slam in-a-row.
Yes, Italy have become a force at this age group in recent years, but given Ireland were at home in Cork and their win last week over France - who we thought would be their main rivals - they were rightly put as heavy favourites.
In the end it took a superb late finish from Corkonian Sean Edogbo, who came off the bench, to save the day, for a 23-22 win.
Ireland U20s Vs Italy U20s: The First-Half
Ireland dominated territory and possession in the first-half, but ended up behind going into half-time, after an uber clinical first 40 from the Italians.
A Jack Murphy penalty got Ireland off the mark, before captain Evan O'Connell went over from close range.
Italy hit back through a slick first-phase move, finished brilliantly by the simply magnificent Marco Scalabrin, who produced one of the finest performances we have seen at the this level.
Ben O'Connor increased Ireland's lead thanks to a deft assist from outside centre Wilhelm de Klerk, giving the home side a 15-7 lead.
Ireland had failed on multiple occasions to deal with Italy's restarts, however, and they finally capitalised when Scalabrin picked one off the ground and ran through a group of would be defenders.
A penalty gave them a 15-17 lead going into the break.
READ HERE: From Cork Hurling To Ireland U20s: The Journey Of Ben O'Connor
Ireland's first try of the game from Evan O'Connell, following Jack Murphy's early penalty.
However, Italy have just hit back with a humdinger of a first-phase try.
Ire U20s 10 - 7 Ita U20s@PwCIreland #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/lHdwZtdaHw
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 9, 2024
Siri, show us what classy no.13 looks like.
Ben O'Connor goes in for Ireland's second after a super assist from Wilhelm de Klerk.
However, Italy lead 15-17. Their no. 14 Scalabrin has scored two beauts.@PwCIreland pic.twitter.com/gJMV7f1iil
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 9, 2024
Marco Scalabrin looks like one to watch. Serious pace, serious power and fend, and an eye for the tryline.
Here's his first of the night. Assist from Pucciariello jr.@PwCIreland #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/TIzB20eBfM
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 9, 2024
We have first class tickets on the Maro Scalabrin hype train 🙌
Absolute tank.
Ireland have failed badly at restarts and they were finally made to pay.
Italy still lead at half-time.@PwCIreland #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/XWDhmCJ0Qj
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 9, 2024
Ireland U20s Vs Italy U20s: The Second-Half
The second-half took a while to ignite, until left wing Hugo McLaughlin intercepted an Italy pass just outside their 22.
He came desperately close to scoring, but was tackled right at the line by the one-and-only Scalabrin.
Ireland knocked on over the line after a maul soon after, before the boot of Jack Murphy finally restored their lead and made it 18-17.
However, Italy once again showed the danger of their attack. They spun it out wide early to Scalabrin, and he subsequently bumped off one, and sucked in another two defenders as he threw a one handed offload to lock Piero Griti for an easy finish.
Ireland had just over ten minutes to claw their way back, and while Italy continued to turn over and frustrate, Ireland never panicked, and were ready when their moment arrived.
Lovely soft hand from substitute Ethan Graham put Hugh Gavin into space, who shifted it to Sean Edogbo on the wing. His pace set him clear, as fullback Mirco Belloni stood on the line as Italy's last hope, but he barely registered and bumped straight off Ireland's flyer as he crashed over.
Italy did manage to claw their way back into Ireland's 22 in a breathless finish, but resolute Irish defence held out for a turnover and the win.
Ireland's next game is against Wales on February 23 in Virgin Media Park (kick-off 7.15pm).
Wales have won one and lost one in their opening two matches, and Ireland will once again be favourites with their home advantage.
A relatively slow start to the second-half is lit up by an excellent intercept from Hugo McLaughlin.
You can take a guess at who made the try saving tackle for the Italian.@PwCIreland #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/FEmLJKZHEC
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 9, 2024
𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝!
Scalabrin turns provider for Piero Gritti!
We could be on for a shock at Virgin Media Park!
☘️ 18-22 🇮🇹#IREvITA | #SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/kVEjfhFp6a
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 9, 2024
Something so satisfying about this Sean Edogbo try.
The Italian centre just bounced right off him. pic.twitter.com/wv8fPwFiAW
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 9, 2024
SEE ALSO: The Son Of The Munster Cult Hero Ready To Take On The Ireland U20s For Italy
