Player Ratings: Italy
Saying that it was a mammoth task for the Italians is an understatement.
They headed into the fixtures at Loftus Versfeld as underdogs, and that was made clear when the Springboks enjoyed a 28-3 lead at the break.
Although the Italians produced a spirited second-half display, scoring three tries, the Springboks were just too clinical and secured a 42-24 win at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Nonetheless, it’s a performance that the Azzurri can be proud of, given their injuries and the youthful side they fielded.
Check out the Italian player ratings:
15. Jacopo Trulla
The 24-year-old Zebre back was under loads of pressure, and in the first opening,g there were nerves. However, he managed to gradually take on control, kept calm and delivered some good exit kicks. Also made a couple of solid runs in the second half, but not very effective.
5/10
14. Louis Lynagh
Playing his fifth cap for Italy, the utility back showed he was keen to get involved. He chased and contested well, causing the Springboks some problems under the high ball. In the second half, he showed glimpses of his elusive running, and also made 9 carries and beat four defenders.
7/10
13. Tommaso Menoncello
Usually found in inside centre, the midfielder delivered a mixed bag. His line speed was good, and in the second half he showed a willingness to get the ball in hand.
6.5/10
12. Marco Zanon
A good second-half display in the second half. Overall, nothing flashy, but one of the top carriers in the Italian team with 8 carries.
5/10
11. Simone Gesi
The wing was perfectly set up for a try; however, a try-saving tackle by Kurt-Lee Arendse denied him the score. One does feel like he should’ve done better with his rare chance. Nonetheless, he held his own on defence, given the loads of traffic down his touchline
4/10
10. Giacomo Da Re
He probably would have wanted more, but operated behind a retreating pack, which made it difficult for the playmaker. He made an impact in the second half, but it was a tough assignment for the flyhalf.
6/10
9. Alessandro Fusco
Frenetic at times from the scrumhalf, who was trying to make things happen where possible. Like his halfback partner, he was playing behind a retreating pack, which made it a difficult game.
5/10
8. Lorenzo Cannone
One of the hard workers on the Italy side when he was on the field. However, his team felt the effect of his yellow card in the 22nd minute, conceding two tries. He left the field in the 48th minute due to an injury.
4/10
7. Manuel Zuliani
The standout in the Italian team. He scored the team’s first try, dotting down between Wilco Louw and Malcolm Marx. He made nine carries and was also brave in defence with 21 tackles and two turnovers.
8.5/10
6. Alessandro Izekor
Similar to his fellow loose forward, he was busy at the breakdown and did well to slow down the Boks’ ball. He also made some big tackles and was a physical presence for his side. He made an impressive line-out steal in the 65th minute. Unfortunately, he received a yellow card in the closing minutes.
7/10
5. Andrea Zambonin
The second-row defended well, completing eight tackles, including a big hit on Eben Etzebeth in the 16th minute.
6/10
4. Niccolò Cannone (captain)
The captain led with pride and passion. He completed 18 tackles. With the ball in hand, he was also effective, especially in the second half, which included a try. However, it was just too much for him and his team.
7.5/10
3. Simone Ferrari
He just could not handle the physicality of the Springboks front row, he was dominated by Ox Nché in the scrums. Off the ball, he tried to make a few runs. He also left the field in the 17th minute for an HIA and returned in the 26th.
4/10
2. Tommaso Di Bartolomeo
Aside from struggling in the scrums, the hooker also failed to find his jumpers. Not the ideal showing.
4/10
1. Danilo Fischetti
Part of a pack that just struggled with the powerful scrums of the Springboks and also conceded a scrum penalty.
4/10
Replacements:
16. Pablo Dimcheff (on for Di Bartolomeo, 61st minute)
On a personal note, it was a perfect debut for the replacement hooker. He scored a try in the 63rd minute at the back of an impressive driving maul and set up a try for his captain.
7/10
17. Mirco Spagnolo (on for Fischetti, 54th minute)
Part of a pack that competed in the second half, setting up a driving maul.
5/10
18. Muhamed Hasa (on for Ferrari, 17th minute)
Had a cameo in the first half and returned in the second. He made eight tackles.
5/10
19. Matteo Canali (on for Zambonin, 61st minute)
Was one of the solid jumpers when he entered the field and also set up the driving maul really well.
6/10
20. Ross Vintcent (on for Lorenzo Cannone, 48th minute)
The South African-born flanker made a huge impact from the bench. He made solid carries and added much-needed physicality to the team’s pack.
7/10
21. David Odiase (on for Zuliani, 58th minute)
He made four tackles and four carries, but overall didn’t stand out enough to rate highly.
5/10
22. Alessandro Garbisi (on for Fusco, 54th minute)
Delivered some good ball from the base and added speed to the Italians’ game.
6/10
23. Giulio Bertaccini (on for Zanon, 76th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
