In a thrilling match during the 2024 Six Nations Championship, Italy secured a momentous win against Wales, prevailing with a scoreline of 21-24. This victory marks Italy’s best-ever performance in the tournament, leaving a lasting impact on rugby history.
The Match Recap
- First Half: Italy displayed remarkable concentration and defensive prowess throughout the first half. Monty Ioane’s try and Paolo Garbisi’s accurate kicking put Italy ahead with a halftime score of 0-11.
- Second Half: Despite Wales’ spirited fightback, Italy maintained their composure. Lorenzo Panni’s additional try extended their lead. Elliot Dee’s powerful try for Wales injected some drama, but Italy held firm.
- Last-Minute Drama: With time ticking down, Paolo Garbisi’s penalty kicks secured Italy’s victory. The final Welsh try came too late to alter the outcome.
Historic Milestone
- Italy’s campaign in the 2024 Six Nations has been nothing short of historic. Their two victories (including this one against Wales) and a hard-fought draw against France demonstrate their progress.
- Nearly a quarter-century after joining the Six Nations, Italy’s youth development efforts are bearing fruit. Their player base is growing, and they are no longer destined for the tournament’s bottom spot.
- Oliver North bid farewell to international rugby in this match, ending a remarkable career. His legacy will be remembered alongside Italy’s rising fortunes.
Lineups
1. Gareth Thomas (Kemsley Mathias), 2. Elliot Dee (Evan Lloyd), 3. Dillon Lewis (Harry O’Connor), 4. Dafydd Jenkins (c), 5. Adam Beard (Will Rowlands), 6. Alex Mann (Mackenzie Martin), 7. Tommy Reffell, 8. Aaron Wainwright, 9. Tomos Williams, 10. Sam Costelow (Ioan Lloyd), 11. Rio Dyer, 12. Nick Tompkins (Mason Grady), 13. George North, 14. Josh Adams, 15. Cameron Winnett. 
1. Danilo Fischetti (Mirco Spagnolo), 2. Giacomo Nicotera (Gianmarco Lucchesi), 3. Simone Ferrari (Giosue Zilocchi), 4. Niccolo Cannone (Riccardo Favretto), 5. Federico Ruzza, 6. Sebastian Negri (Manuel Zuliani), 7. Michele Lamaro (c), 8. Lorenzo Cannone (Ross Vincent), 9. Stephen Varney (Martin Page-Relo), 10. Paolo Garbisi, 11. Monty Ioane (Leonardo Marin), 12. Tommasso Menoncello, 13. Juan Ignacio Brex, 14. Louis Lynagh, 15. Lorenzo Panni
This victory is a resounding endorsement of Italy’s progress and maturity. Congratulations to the Azzurri on their historic achievement!