Pratichetti's hat-trick sinks Uruguay
Italy wing Matteo Pratichetti scored a hat-trick as the Azzurri topped plucky Uruguay 29-5 at Gran Parque Central in Montevideo on Saturday.
Pratichetti’s three tries saw Italy romp to a 22-0 lead by the 44th minute.
Uruguay, incorporating young players into its squad after failing to make the World Cup, attacked throughout but couldn’t break through until the 77th minute for a try by fullback Matias Arocena. But Italy finished with a fourth try in injury time.
Fullback Chris Burton, one of two new Italy caps to start along with centre Enrico Patrizio, notched 14 points.
His only penalty started off Italy, but it couldn’t score again until the 40th minute when Pratichetti went over in his left corner.
The wing was over again a minute into the second half, with Burton’s conversion.
Three minutes later Pratichetti completed his hat trick again near the flag, and Burton converted from touch for 22-0.
Uruguay lock Juan Alzueta was yellow-carded in the 55th minute but Italy couldn’t take advantage.
Back with its full complement, Uruguay was consoled with a try near time by Arocena, whose conversion hit the post.
Replacement prop Matias Aguero scoring the final converted try.
Italy flies to Mendoza on Sunday to play Argentina next weekend.
Argentina have claimed back-to-back victories over Ireland following a 22-20 win in Santa Fe and 16-0 victory in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
The scorers:
For Uruguay:
Try: Arocena
For Italy:
Tries: Pratichetti 3, Aguero
Cons: Burton 3
Pen: Burton
