Battling Italy make it tough for Ireland

ITALY, despite a succession of serious injuries and self-inflicted disciplinary problems, pushed Ireland all the way at the Olympic Stadium in a game that summed up both their respective campaigns.

- By BRENDAN GALLAGHER

Italy have flattered to deceive. At times absolutely outstanding in attack, their old ill-discipline has on occasions returned with a vengeance.

Ireland meanwhile are essentially a team in transition, a long way short of their Johnny Sexton inspired pomp but still good enough, just, to get the job done more often than not.

Lots of questions going forward for both teams but one thing is for sure. You will struggle to see a finer, stronger performance in adversity than that produced by Italy’s still young centre Tommaso Menoncello who is now truly world class, i.e. he would be on the short of short lists for a World XV place.

A lively first half saw Italy give as good as they got before three big injuries in no time at all to key forwards – Lorenzo Cannone, Seb Negri and Dino Lamb – badly undermined their cause.