Italy U-20s Edge Ireland in Tense World Rugby Clash
Late Penalty Dooms Irish Hopes in Viadana
In a heart-wrenching conclusion at the World Rugby U-20 Championships, **Ireland** suffered a narrow 18-16 defeat against host nation **Italy**. A missed conversion in the dying moments sealed **Ireland’s** fate in the sweltering Italian heat.
Tight Contest in Stifling Heat
The match, played in scorching 33-degree conditions at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, saw **Italy** initially take the lead. **Nelson Casartelli** crossed the tryline in the 12th minute, setting the tone for a tightly contested affair.
**Tom Wood**, **Ireland’s** out-half, and Italian full-back **Edoardo Todaro** exchanged penalties, resulting in a narrow 8-3 lead for **Italy** at halftime.
Turbulent Second Half
**Piero Gritti’s** try seemed to give the hosts a comfortable lead. However, replacement hooker **Mikey Yarr** responded swiftly for **Ireland**, touching down in the corner while **Casartelli** was in the sin-bin.
Shortly after, Irish lock **Billy Corrigan** also received a yellow card. **Italy** capitalized, adding another penalty to extend their lead to 18-11 with just nine minutes remaining.
According to World Rugby, yellow cards have increased in U20 matches, emphasizing the importance of discipline World Rugby Report 2023.
Last-Minute Drama
**Ireland** mounted a determined comeback in the closing stages. Replacement flanker **Oisín Minogue** crossed the tryline in the 82nd minute, igniting hopes of a draw. Unfortunately, **Sam Wisniewski’s** conversion attempt sailed wide, securing the victory for **Italy**.
Teams & Officials
Italy: **Edoardo Todaro**, **To Drago** (**R Ioananucci** 62), **F Zanandea**, **R Casarin**, **J ducros** (**G Pietramala** 68); **R Fasti**, **n assets** (**M Bellotto** 74); **S Pelliccioli** (**S Mistrulli** 54), **n Corvasce** (**in Caiolo-Serra** 54), **n Bolognini** (**L Trevisan** 53); **M Midena** (**and Opoku Gyamfi** 53), **P Gritti**; **G Milano**, **C Bianchi** (**in Miranda** 57), **N Casartelli**.
Ireland: **C Molony**; **P Farrell**, **C Mangan**, **E Smyth**, **D Moloney**; **T Wood** (**S Wisniewski** 60), **W Wootton** (**C Logan** 64); **A Usanov** (**B Bohan** 53), **H Walker** (**M Yarr** 53-78), **A Mullan** (**T McAllister** 53) **M Ronan** (**C Kennelly** 48), **B Corrigan**; **E McCarthy**, **B Power** (**O Minogue** 62), **L Murphy**.
Referee: **Ben Breakspear** (Wales).
Playoff Picture
Following their initial victory against **Georgia**, this defeat means **Ireland** now faces a must-win situation against **New Zealand** in their final Pool C match next Wednesday. They will also need favorable results in other matches to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
