Italy were far from at their best on Saturday afternoon, but did what was needed to scrape past a gallant Canadian side in Leeds.
One of the best 2015 Rugby World Cup games to date, came to life soon after the break, after a stunning try from Matt Evans which gave the Cannucks' a surprising lead.
The Italians experience shone through in the second-half, as they fought back to take the lead through Gonzalo Garcia, and hold on to deny a brave Canada side.
Allan boot helps Azzuri gain control
Surprisingly, it was Canada who built an early ten-point lead, in what was a blistering start to the match for the North Americans. Firstly, Nathan Hirayama slotted a penalty after 14 minutes, which was followed by one of the tries of the tournament by winger DTH van der Merwe.
The Scarlets winger picked up possession in his own half, before breaking a pair of tackles as he scorched into the Italian half. As the defenders closed on him, he slipped the ball to Ciaran Hearn who attracted the Italian defence, before popping the ball back to van der Merwe who crossed for the first try of the match.
The ten point lead didn't last long though, as Italy responded almost straight away through prop Michele Rizzo, who scored after an excellent break from Edoardo Gori. Kickers Hirayama and Tommaso Allan then traded penalties to see out the half, with Italy leading 13-10 as the sides headed for the changing rooms.
Garcia galvanises rugged Italians
The second-half began just as the first had, with an exceptional Candian try.
Full-back Matt Evans spotted a gap in the Italian defence, and sprinted for the corner, with the covering defence unable to knock him into touch, as Canada took a 15-13 lead. They weren't able to hold on though, as Italy struck just before the hour mark, with Gonzalo Garcia crashing over from close range to put the Italians back in the lead.
The last 20 minutes saw a lot of Canadian attacks come to nothing, with three points from Hirayama's boot all they had to show from some fine rugby. Allan slotted an 80th minute to add to the Italian lead, who won on the day Mauro Bergamasco equalled a Rugby World Cup record, appearing in his fifth tournament.