Argentina hand Italy another Nations Championship defeat

GENOA, Italy: In a low-quality Nations Championship match marred by errors, Argentina defeated Italy 19-14 on Saturday, extending their winning streak to 10 matches against the Italians. Italy took an early lead through Monty Ioane's try, converted by Tommaso Allan, but Argentina, playing with 14 men, equalized just before halftime with Bautista Bernasconi's try.

Tomas Albornoz added the conversion, and Rodrigo Isgro's try in the 55th minute put Argentina ahead, with Mateo Carreras extending the lead five minutes later. A penalty try for Italy set up a dramatic finish, but Argentina held on for their second victory in the competition, now sitting third in the Southern Hemisphere standings.

Italy earned a losing bonus point and will finish at the bottom of the Northern Hemisphere group. Both teams entered the match with low confidence and needing a strong performance. Argentina suffered a 42-12 defeat to Ireland the previous week, while Italy were thrashed 66-7 by South Africa in Turin.