Italy concluded its preparation for the Rugby World Cup (September 8-October 28) with a long-term victory over Japan 42-21 (half-time: 17-11) on Saturday in Treviso.
The Nazionale, which dominated Romania last weekend (57-7), scored five tries, including three by Monty Ioane alone (21st, 56th and 77th).
Stephen Varney opened the scoring in the 6th minute, but the Japanese replied quickly through Jone Naikabula (15th, 7-5). Italy took the lead with Ioane’s first try at the conclusion of a breakthrough and a clever refocusing kick from winger Ange Capuozzo (21st, 14-5).
The Brave Blossoms started the second half by exploiting an Italian error to score a second try by Kotaro Matsushima to come back to 20-16 (52nd). But the feverishness of their striker in front of the posts and a decline at the end of the match cost them dearly.
Italy was able to embellish its victory with two tries in the final, the third of the day for Ioane (77th) and the first in the Italian jersey of Martin Page-Relo (80th).
Italy will face in Group A of the 2023 World Cup Namibia, Uruguay, New Zealand and France, while Japan will face in Group D England, Argentina, Chile and Samoa.