The Japan Times - Silent Italy to remain 'humble' after historic England win

The Azzurri stunned the visitors to Rome's Stadio Olimpico with a come-from-behind 23-18 victory on Saturday that ended a run of 32 straight defeats to England.

Since Italy joined the expanded Six Nations in 2000 they had beaten all of their opponents at least once -- except for England.

But tries from midfielders Tommaso Menoncello and Leonardo Marin, and a faultless kicking performance from fly-half Paolo Garbisi, led them to glory.

But, with a trip to Wales to come next on Saturday, Quesada said the team need to keep their feet on the ground.

"Two years ago against England we went into half-time leading but then we were overhauled. This time, after a first half in which we didn't do much, we managed to overcome the most difficult moment," he said.

Italy trailed 12-10 at half-time after England struck through Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck.

They extended their lead to 18-10 early in the second half while Italy had Giacomo Nicotera sent to the sin-bin.

At that point, it looked as if Italian hopes of a famous first win against England had gone up in smoke.

Instead, they came roaring back, while England's discipline deserted them and forwards Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje followed Nicotera into the bin.

"We beat a great team and we did it working in silence," said Quesada.

"We have to stay humble and keep working this way: in silence.

"Now we have to prepare for a massive challenge in Cardiff against a Wales side that did very well against Ireland."

Wales started the tournament in chaotic fashion, conceding more than 100 points in their first two matches against England (48-7) and France (54-12), but have put in two highly competitive performances since then in narrow defeats to Scotland (26-23) and Ireland (27-17).

They will almost certainly finish with the wooden spoon for the third year in a row but have at least shown signs of being able to end their 15-match losing streak in the competition.

Having made one piece of history, Italy could achieve another if they beat Wales in Cardiff next weekend.

It would be the first time they had won three matches in a single Six Nations, while they could yet secure a highest finish of third.

"It's not over yet, we've got another really tough challenge in Wales and we know that we have to work even harder to be ready for next week's match," said Menoncello.

- 'Perfect' Garbisi -

There had been a feeling all week that Italy's date with destiny was written in the stars.

"This week (former prop) Martin Castrogiovanni came along and prepared a barbecue, and (former fly-half) Diego Dominguez came to hand out the matchday jerseys," said Quesada.

"I wanted him to do it because I knew that it could be a grand occasion."

Six times in their previous 32 encounters, Italy had lost by a converted try or less, but they had nonetheless lost.

Two of those were under South African former coach Nick Mallett, who had told AFP in the week that what his team lacked most was a top drawer half-back pairing.

Two years ago, fly-half Garbisi had missed a last-gasp penalty to give Italy a first Six Nations win in France.

But on Saturday in Rome, after kicking three penalties, it was his crossfield kick that set Italy on their way to Marin's winning score.

"We dreamed about this moment all week long, we dreamed about making history and we did it," said Menoncello.

"There was a moment of confusion around the 50th minute (with Nicotera's card) but we managed to convert every opportunity in the most difficult moment thanks to Paolo's perfect kicking."

Y.Mori--JT