Italy Beats Wallabies Again: Australia-Born Backs Shine in Rugby

This blog post recounts Italy’s thrilling 26–19 victory over Australia in Udine — a landmark second straight win over the Wallabies following the historic breakthrough in 2022. It explores what the result means for the team, the coach, and the mood across Italy, especially along the sun-drenched Italian Riviera where rugby celebrations merge with seaside charm.

How Italy Turned the Tide in Udine

In a match that mixed grit, clever counterattacks and late defensive heroics, Italy delivered a comeback that underlines the national team’s growing confidence. The Azzurri overcame mistakes and persistent pressure to secure a memorable win that will resonate with fans from the Alps down to the Ligurian coast.

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The game featured crucial moments — both individual brilliance and collective resilience. These moments defined a contest Italy now knows how to close out.

Key moments and stand-out performances

Here are the highlights that swung the balance in Italy’s favor:

Scoreline: Italy 26–19 Australia in Udine — the Azzurri’s second straight victory over the Wallabies after 2022’s historic result.

Back-to-back tries: Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane, both with Australian roots, crossed in quick succession to complete the comeback.

Crucial kicking: Paolo Garbisi’s accuracy from the tee kept Italy within striking distance with four penalties.

Momentum shift: A yellow card to Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i for a high tackle turned the tide, giving Italy a window to press.

Game-changing run: A Stephen Varney break set up Monty Ioane’s decisive try, illustrating Italy’s threat in open play.

Late defense: Lorenzo Cannone’s key turnover and resilient defensive stands sealed the result as Australian fatigue became evident.

Coach, Process, and the New Mentality

Gonzalo Quesada has been vocal about building a team that trusts process over perfection. Despite frustration at errors and penalties, Quesada’s message is clear: maturity means winning matches you used to lose.

This attitude was visible in Udine, where Italy accepted imperfection but executed the right actions at critical moments. They outlasted an Australian side that had tried lineup tweaks, including introducing Tom Hooper and the returning Carter Gordon.

Gordon did score but was unfortunately forced off with a quad injury shortly after, a blow to the Wallabies’ plans.

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What the victory signals for Italy

The win is more than two competition points; it’s evidence that Italy’s squad depth, temperament and tactical nous are improving.

Players like Lynagh, Ioane, Garbisi, Varney and Cannone are creating a spine of influence that can lift the team in the months ahead.

For supporters, this is a chance to dream bigger — and to celebrate louder.

Where to Celebrate: Bringing the Mood to the Italian Riviera

As a travel writer who’s spent three decades exploring Italy, I can tell you that sport and place reinforce each other.

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The jubilation in Udine will spill onto the Ligurian terraces, cafés and piazzas.

If you find yourself following the Azzurri on the coast, here are towns where fans gather and the atmosphere tastes like the sea breeze itself.

Genoa, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Camogli, Sestri Levante, and the Cinque Terre villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore brim with bars and restaurants screening major matches.

Further west, La Spezia, Sanremo, Imperia and Bordighera provide seaside settings where you can toast Italy’s rugby progress with a fresh Ligurian white wine or a spritz by the harbor.

Here is the source article for this story: Italy beats Wallabies again thanks to backs with Australian heritage

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