Italy beat Fiji 19-10 to end losing streak

Nov 11, 2017 - 4:42 PM Italy ended a nine-test losing streak when they beat Fiji 19-10 in the first of their November Tests.

Italy's first win since the historic victory over South Africa nearly a year ago finished on a remarkable moment, when replacement back Ian McKinley kicked a last-minute penalty on debut, six years after retiring after losing the sight in his left eye.

McKinley returned to playing rugby in 2014 using specially manufactured goggles and played for Viadana and Zebre before joining Benetton in 2016.

Italy were out for revenge after losing in Fiji 22-19 in June, when Ben Volavola kicked a drop goal two minutes into injury time.

This time, Volavola's yellow card in the 64th minute undermined Fiji's comeback hopes while trailing 16-10.

Italy's Carlo Canna and Volavola opened with penalty kicks, and Italy also scored the first try after half an hour.

From a five-metre scrum, No. 8 and captain Sergio Parisse and halfback Marcello Violi combined to give prop Simone Ferrari his first international try.

Fiji levelled at 10-10 on the stroke of halftime when lock Leone Nakarawa evaded an Italian tackle and used his outpaced the defence to touch down by the left post.

Italy thought they had restored their lead immediately after the break when Canna grabbed a loose ball following a Fiji lineout and crossed over but the TMO ruled he had been offside.

Italy nevertheless pulled away with two quick penalties from Canna - the second from a difficult angle on the left - before the five-eighth was replaced by McKinley shortly after the hour mark.

Volavola was then sin-binned and Italy defended well to the end.

Source: AAP