Bergamasco puts boot into Fiji

Mirco Bergamasco produced a faultless kicking display to guide Italy to a 24-16 triumph over Fiji at the Stadio Braglia in Modena.

The winger was the only man to get on the scoresheet for his side, slotting eight penalties as the Italians came from behind to win.

Tuapati Talemaitoga's early try and Seremaia Bai's kicking had put the visitors on the front foot, but they faded after the break as Italy demonstrated grit and physicality to turn the game around.

Hooker Talemaitoga opened the scoring in the ninth minute as he showed an impressive turn of pace to burst over, Bai adding the extras.

Italy were sparked into life and responded through the boot of Bergamasco, the Racing Metro man slotting a routine penalty to reduce the deficit to four.

Eight minutes later Bergamasco ate further into the lead with another penalty from just inside the 22 after prop Campese Ma'afu was punished for collapsing the scrum.

But Fiji regained the initiative with two quick Bai penalties in the 25th and 28th minutes, before Bergamasco added his third.

However, the lead was back to seven by half-time, Martin Castrogiovanni being sin-binned to allow Bai another simple shot at goal.

Fiji began the second half as they ended the first, running with the ball at every opportunity, but indiscipline began to undermine their efforts.

Two more easy Bergamasco penalties put the hosts just a point behind and, in the 59th minute, Italy took lead for the first time as Bergamasco's sixth penalty edged them in front at 18-16.

A line-out five metres from the line offered Italy a rare chance to go for a try but the move broke down and momentum was lost in the ruck, while at the other end Bai's optimistic drop-goal effort from near halfway was short and wide.

After Fiji were again penalised at the scrum allowing Bergamasco to make it seven from seven with just four minutes remaining to leave the visitors needing a try.

But instead it was Italy who added more points, Bergamasco maintaining his superb 100% record as he landed a tricky eighth kick to extinguish Fiji hopes.