Italy player ratings: Juan Ignacio Brex spearheads memorable Cardiff win to avoid Wooden Spoon

Dylan Coetzee

Italian players Lorenzo Pani, Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello discuss during a game.

Following Italy’s narrow 24-21 win over Wales in Cardiff, here are our player ratings for the Azzurri on a memorable day.

Italy player ratings v Wales

15 Lorenzo Pani: Initially looked nervous with some average kicks welcoming pressure in the backfield but grew into the game magnificently. Backed his running to finish off a lovely strike play. Pani looks one to watch for the future. 8

14 Louis Lynagh: Hard to think it was only his second Test cap as the Italian produced an accomplished display without setting the world on fire. Put his hand up in defence with his seven tackles. 6

13 Juan Ignacio Brex: Named man-of-the-match and rightly so. The centre was typically outstanding, making confident defensive reads throughout. With ball in hand he was a beast. Brex’s experience and composure in his decision-making coupled with sheer work rate gives the backline such balance. What a player. 9

12 Tommaso Menoncello: The perfect foil for Brex in an encouraging midfield partnership. His post-contact gains are massive for the attacking output of Italy owing to Menoncello’s power and ability to pick a great line. Improves with every minute on the pitch. 8

11 Monty Ioane: As always the wing was absolutely slippery and constantly looked to do something when he had the ball. Found himself in great space for his try that set the ball rolling whilst maintaining a strong kick-chase throughout. 8

10 Paolo Garbisi: When the fly-half fires Italy click up a level or two and that was the case today. Had a lovely touch in the build-up to Ioane’s try before making the final pass to the wing. Only missed one off the tee and marshalled his side incredibly well. A general’s effort from a man who will wear this jersey for some time to come. 9

9 Stephen Varney: Executed the gameplan very well, particularly with his kicking game which was pretty much on song for every kick. Controlled the pace of attack well otherwise and was a composed partner for Garbisi. 7

Planet Rugby player ratings key 10 - Career defining performance 9 - Outright blockbuster effort 8 - Significantly influenced the result of the game 7 - Committed and effective outing 6 - Flashes of brilliance outside of executing fundamentals 5 - Fulfilling the role required by position (base level) 4 - Poor execution of fundamentals 3 - Costly errors and/or discipline in the game 2 - Poor performance that directly impacted the result 1 - Grossly ineffective throughout 0 - Should have carried water instead

Planet Rugby’s player ratings key.

Powerful pack effort

8 Lorenzo Cannone: Warrior-like defence, making 16 tackles and not missing any. The number eight was efficient with just about everything he did and his contributions were part of a forward unit that laid a solid platform. 7

7 Michele Lamaro: Inspirational. The Italian captain was outstanding as he led by example yet again in Cardiff, making a ridiculous 21 tackles and underlining his status as the busiest defender in the Six Nations. Lamaro also played a key role at the breakdown with a couple of critical interventions. 9

6 Sebastian Negri: One of the leaders of the physical charge as he always is. Negri was relentless on both sides of the ball, making 18 tackles at 100% success rate, whilst putting in 10 carries (team-high) in a committed effort. 7

5 Federico Ruzza: The second-row was busy in defence and clean in the lineout, fulfilling his role quite nicely on the day. Made double digits with his tackle count and tried to get his hands on the ball where possible. 6

4 Niccolo Cannone: Another member of the pack who worked his socks off with an impressive 18 tackles from the second-row. He will be delighted with that outing as he formed part of a key tight five effort. 7

3 Simone Ferrari: Maximised his influence in the scrum as the Azzurri front-row earned their money today. He was clean otherwise and made a respectable number of tackles (eight). 7

2 Giacomo Nicotera: Threw solid darts in the lineout throughout his time on the field and also showed his breakdown prowess as part of a blockbuster effort. 7

1 Danilo Fischetti: Much like his propping partner in that he dominated up front but Fischetti managed 11 tackles in addition to his neat breakdown work. He will be happy with his return in Cardiff. 7

Replacements: The substitutes had the tricky task of maintaining intensity which they struggled to do initially. However, the scrambling contributions of Ross Vintcent was very useful whilst Martin Page-Relo’s long-range penalty was the difference on the day. 6

READ MORE: Italy repeat Cardiff heroics as Wales handed Wooden Spoon after woeful Six Nations

Features Juan Ignacio Brex

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