ROMA (ITALPRESS) – Italy writes a historical chapter in the Six Nations: for the first time it beats England, surpassing it 23-18 in front of an Olympic gremit (almost 70,000 spectators) and overwhelming. The Quesada team breaks the last remaining taboo, the English one, with a brave, intense and never banal game.
After being under 10-18, Italy has found strength and clarity, reassembling thanks to the squares of Paolo Garbisi, the goal of Marin inspired by the blue median and the accelerations of Ioane and Menoncello, eventually rewarded as mvp.
“A great step forward in our path. It was a good victory” the comment of the ct Gonzalo Quesada. “Now we must remain humble, it is time to enjoy this victory and prepare ourselves for the challenge in Cardiff against Wales” he added.
Who had dreamed all this is the 23-year-old Tommaso Menoncello, author of a goal and an extraordinary performance, praised by all. “I still don’t believe it, I’m very excited, I dreamed all week to win this race and the prize as mvp. It is dedicated to my family, to my girlfriend, we worked hard to get here and make history and we made it” the comment of the blue.
England immediately started strong, relying on the kicks of Daly and Spencer, but the Italian defense holds thanks to decisive interventions of Zambonin and Garbisi. At 21′ Garbisi brings Italy to the advantage with a square, but the English respond by finding the first destination with Freeman and closing the first time in advantage 10-12.
In the second half Italy reacts: the goal of Menoncello, inspired by Garbisi and supported by Marin, and the squares of Garbisi reduce the disadvantage on 16-18. The blues exploit two numerical superiorities and constant pressure: at 72′ Garbisi launches on Ioane, Menoncello receives the perfect support of Marin and flies in the middle for 23-18. In the final, Italy defends with great determination, with decisive interventions by Garbisi, Lamaro and Ruzza, ensuring a historical victory in front of an Olympic in delirio.
Next Saturday in Cardiff, the Azzurri will try to score another record: the third win in a single tournament.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
