Ireland lost the second Pool C match of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Viadana to hosts Italy in a thrilling 18-16 loss.
After 12 minutes, number eight Nelson Casartelli scored the game’s first try to give Italy, who had lost their opening match against New Zealand, the lead.
The Irish fly-half Edoardo Todaro’s response gave the Italians an 8-3 halftime lead after Tom Wood’s penalty cut the gap.
When lock Pierro Gritti grounded after a driving maul, Italy increased their lead to 15-6. A second penalty from Wood’s boot again reduced the difference to two points.
However, after a botched conversion attempt, substitute Irish hooker Mikey Yarr finished in the corner to give Neil Doak’s team new hope when Casartelli was sent out with a yellow card.
With less than ten minutes left, another Todaro penalty put Italy ahead 18–11 after Ireland second row Billy Corrigan was sent to the bin.
Oisin Minogue, a 19-year-old replacement back row, scored Ireland’s second try as they refused to give up after defeating Georgia in their opening match.
There were celebrations for the home team at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella after Sam Wisniewski missed his conversion attempt to earn a thrilling draw with the game’s final kick.
Ireland now has six points after earning a losing bonus point, three points behind Pool C leaders New Zealand, whom they will play on Wednesday. Italy leads Georgia by two points with four points.
Each pool’s winners and the top-ranked team from the second division will advance to the semifinals.
