Italy U20s have shocked the rugby world
Italy under 20s made history yesterday by beating the reigning Grand Slam champions England for the first time in the under 2os Six Nations.
The hosts came out 6-0 winners at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo in Treviso a week after a 41-15 loss to France. England had also run out 41-24 winners over Scotland the week before.
Despite the low score, Italy came close to scoring a try in the first half, only for winger Lorenzo Pani to drop the ball over the line. Their victory was marked by some resolute defence at times in order to withhold an attack that look insatiable the week before against Scotland. With missed kicks from either side, ultimately Nicolo Teneggi's penalties in either half proved decisive.
This may give some hope to the senior side on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico, who will also be hoping to record their first ever win over England. Eddie Jones' side meanwhile will be hoping to get their Six Nations back on track after succumbing to a loss in the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield last Saturday, blowing a seven point lead in the final quarter of the match.
Take a look at Italy under 20s' performance:
Italy under 20s squad
15
Francois Carlo Mey
14
Lorenzo Pani
13
Dewi Passarella
12
Arturo Fusari
11
Filippo Lazzarin
10
Nicolo Teneggi
9
Alessandro Garbisi
1
Luca Rizzoli
2
Lapo Frangini
3
Riccardo Genovese
4
Alessandro Ortombina
5
Riccardo Andreoli
6
David Odiase
7
Carlo Berlese
8
Giacomo Ferrari
Replacements
16
Tommaso Scramoncin
17
Valerio Bizzotto
18
Matteo Bernardinello
19
Matteo Rubinato
20
Giovanni Cenedese
21
Gianluca Tomaselli
22
Giovanni Sante
26
Paul Marie Foroncelli
England under 20s squad
15
George Hendy
14
Deago Bailey
13
Tom Litchfield
12
Ethan Grayson
11
Francis Moore
10
Jamie Benson
9
Matty Jones
1
Fin Baxter
2
John Stewart
3
Mikey Summerfield
4
Alfie Bell
5
Tom Lockett
6
Alex Wardell
7
Toby Knight
8
Emeka Ilione
Replacements
16
Finn Theobald-Thomas
17
Mark Dormer
18
Will Hobson
19
Charlie Rice
20
Greg Fisilau
21
Sam Edwards
22
Louie Johnson
23
Ollie Dawkins