Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Italy beat Fiji 19-10 to end losing streak

Italy have ended their nine-match losing streak by beating Fiji 19-10 in Sicily to open their November account.

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.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

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.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world