The men’s rugby team beat Wales 22-21 on the final day of the Six Nations tournament. Thanks to the victory obtained at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Italy coached by New Zealander Kieran Crowley managed to stop a long series of 36 consecutive losses that lasted continuously since 2015. He also obtained his first victory in Wales.
After closing the first half with a 12-7 lead thanks to four free kicks, in the second half Italy suffered a comeback from Wales, who managed to go to the goal twice, the last with ten minutes remaining. At the end of the second half, however, the decisive goal of Edoardo Padovani arrived, made possible by a great personal action by Ange Capuozzo, best player of the match. Thanks to the subsequent transformation of Paolo Garbisi, Italy was able to close the game with just one point ahead.
The victory in Cardiff will not take away the last place in the standings – just behind Wales – and therefore the traditional “wooden spoon”. However, Italy avoided the “coat”, as had not happened since 2015, and above all restored enthusiasm to the players and the environment.
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