Fly-half Nicolas Sanchez kicked 14 points to help a defensively-astute Argentina to a deserved 19-14 win over Italy in the hosts' final Test of the November rugby series on Saturday.
Argentina, thumped 40-6 by Wales last week, arrived in the Italian capital seeking a first win, having also succumbed to England at Twickenham.
The Pumas produced a solid defensive display at a rain-hit Olympic Stadium as a Sanchez drop goal six minutes from the whistle sent Italy back to the drawing board.
Each team scored one try.
After a 50-20 humiliation by Australia two weeks ago and a narrow 37-31 win against Fiji last week, Jacques Brunel's Italy were desperate for a win that would help boost morale after an unimpressive series.
But despite showing glimpses of positive, attacking rugby, they were left to rue what might have been as Tommaso Allan, making his full debut alongside Michele Campagnaro, missed several chances with the boot.
Despite seeing glimpses of promise from the younger players, like Allan and Campagnaro, that are sure to be Italy's rugby future, coach Jacques Brunel admitted he had expected more from his side.
"It's quite a negative series for us, if you consider these two defeats and the fact we had some strong performances in the Six Nations," said Brunel, who led Italy to wins over France and Ireland in last season's European showpiece event.
"We had a good tournament last season, and in the summer tour we took our foot off the gas. This (series) has been a little bit strange for us," he added in comments to Sky Italia.
Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade, who had made five changes to his side, admitted the players' grit had been key.
"Tactics weren't as telling today, it was more about our attitude. We put our hearts into it, especially in the tackles," said Hourcade.
"Our determination made the difference."
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