Los Pumas end five-match winless run with hard-fought victory over Italy

The Azzurri made a strong start and took the lead after just five minutes through Monty Ioane. Italy used their maul to draw in the Argentine defence before switching play and kicking into space for Ioane to gather and score in the corner. Tommaso Allan added the conversion.

When Tomas Albornoz was sent to the sin-bin in the 29th minute for cynical play, Italy had a chance to extend their lead but failed to take advantage.

Argentina eventually got on the scoreboard five minutes before half-time. A strong lineout drive took the visitors close to the tryline before Bautista Bernasconi scored. Albornoz added the conversion to make it 7-7 at the break.

Los Pumas started the second half strongly and took the lead in the 54th minute. Rodrigo Isgro finished off a flowing attacking move, racing over in the corner after the visitors moved the ball wide. Albornoz missed the conversion but added a penalty two minutes later to put Los Pumas 12-7 ahead.

Argentina extended their lead in the 60th minute when Mateo Carreras ran onto an inside pass from first-phase ball to score their third try. Albornoz converted to make it 19-7.

Italy responded through their driving maul, putting Argentina under pressure close to their tryline. The visitors were repeatedly penalised for collapsing the maul, with Joel Sclavi and Ephraim Elias both sent to the sin-bin. Italy were eventually awarded a penalty try in the 64th minute to cut the deficit to 19-14.

With Argentina down to 13 players, Italy pushed hard for a late winner. The hosts enjoyed plenty of possession and kept the pressure on, but Argentina's defence held firm.

A final knock-on ended Italy's challenge, as Argentina held on for a much-needed victory that ended a five-match winless run, while Italy were left to rue a missed opportunity.