A superb performance from centre Aiden Guerra led Italy to victory at the Millennium Stadium.
Italy held a 14-12 interval lead, Guerra crossing twice for the Azzurri with Josh Mantellato kicking three goals whilst Wales had tries from Ben Evans and Rhodri Lloyd with Lloyd White kicking two goals.
Elliot Kear grabbed a try for the Welsh three minutes into the second half with Mantellato responding at the opposite end after a superb pass from his centre, James Tedesco.
Anthony Minichiello was pulled back for a forward pass from Tedesco, the centre scoring after a Ryan Ghietti kick which was collected and released by Mantellato.
Although Mantellato was named man of the match it was Guerra’s impact down the left channel that was most effective for the Azzurri, his pass on 71 minutes sending in Chris Centrone for the try that sealed Italy’s first World Cup win with Mark Minichiello last-minute try extending their advantage.
