Italy thump the sloppy US

Embed from Getty Images

Italy Men v United States Men

Italy have made light work of the United States in their clash, winning 46-0. They were helped all game by silly penalties and a wealth of turnovers from handling errors by the United States. The few times the US found themselves in great attacking position, they'd drop the ball or come up with a poor last play option.

It wasn't a clinical performance by Italy, who were penalised too frequently also. But it was their ability to make the most of the copious opportunities presented to them as well as their execution, that separated the two sides.

The scoring began in the ninth minute when a loose ball was picked up by Tramontana, however he lost it forward and then regathered it before it hit the ground, before diving over for a try. Mantellato converted. Five minutes later and Tedesco put on a big step and reached out to score a good solo try. Mantellato slotted another conversion. The goalkicker then bagged a try three minutes later after some great ball play by Minichiello. He couldn't convert from the sideline.

After a penalty inside the US half, Ghietti and Mantellato ran a nice shortside play which resulted in a soft try for the former. Mantellato kicked another goal to give Italy a 22-0 lead after 25 minutes.

Some silly mistakes and poor handling was prominent throughout the next ten minutes before Italy made a good break resulting in a try for Tramontana backing up. Mantellato slotted the easy goal from in front to give Italy a 28-0 lead at the break.

Italy wasted no time in the second half, scoring a try just three minutes in when a Tedesco grubber was fumbled. Italy regathered and sent the ball out wide where Tedesco dived over in the corner. Mantellato nailed a magnificent goal from touch.

Another 13 minute period of sloppy football ensued with the US blowing several opportunities to get on the board. With 22 minutes remaining, Tramontana got into space and put Vaughan over for an easy try under the posts. Mantellato converted. With eight minutes left, USA's best player on the field put in another tidy chip, finding Vaivai, however the centre couldn't hold the ball. The ball was picked up by Cerruto who then ran 70 metres to score untouched. Mantellato converted and 7 minutes later the game ended with Italy winning 46-0.