It wasn't an official Test but Italy had every reason to celebrate a famous victory as it warmed up for the Rugby League World Cup by stunning the well-prepared and far more experienced England at the City of Salford Stadium. Photo: Photosport
Vodafone Warriors-bound fullback Sam Tomkins scored two first half tries to have England 14-12 ahead at halftime before the Italians battled their way to level the contest at 14-14 and then steal it with a field goal.
The squads for today's match are listed below.
Here are two match reports:
ENGLAND SHOCKED - THE GUARDIAN
ENGLAND STUNNED BY ITALY - BBC SPORT
Squads:
England: Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Hall (Leeds), Ablett (Leeds), Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Briscoe (Hull FC); Chase (Castleford), Sinfield (capt) (Leeds); Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), McIlorum (Wigan), Mossop (Wigan), Hock (Widnes), Farrell (Wigan), Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs).
Replacements: Charnley (Wigan), Watkins (Leeds), Widdop (Melbourne Storm), Burrow (Leeds) Hill (Warrington), Roby (St Helens), George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Italy: Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters, capt), Mantellato (Newcastle Knights), Tedesco (Wests Tigers), Guerra (Sydney Roosters), Staltonstall (Warrington), Ghetti (Northern Pride); Maccan (Tweed Head), Laffranchi (St Helens); Parata (Parramatta), Vaughan (Canberra), Mark Minichiello (Gold Coast), Santi (Parramatta), Riethmuller (North Queensland).
Replacements: Falcone (South Logan), Hiscox (Central Coast), Giole Celerino (North West Roosters, Italy), Gardel (South Logan), Calegari (Lezignan), Chris Centrino (North Sydney), Ciraldo (Penrith), Ciaurro (Coventry), Nasso (Avignon), Musalino (Manly Sea Eagles), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor).
Vodafone Warriors-bound fullback Sam Tomkins scored two first half tries to have England 14-12 ahead at halftime before the Italians battled their way to level the contest at 14-14 and then steal it with a field goal.
The squads for today's match are listed below.
Here are two match reports:
ENGLAND SHOCKED - THE GUARDIAN
ENGLAND STUNNED BY ITALY - BBC SPORT
Squads:
England: Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Hall (Leeds), Ablett (Leeds), Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Briscoe (Hull FC); Chase (Castleford), Sinfield (capt) (Leeds); Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), McIlorum (Wigan), Mossop (Wigan), Hock (Widnes), Farrell (Wigan), Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs).
Replacements: Charnley (Wigan), Watkins (Leeds), Widdop (Melbourne Storm), Burrow (Leeds) Hill (Warrington), Roby (St Helens), George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Italy: Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters, capt), Mantellato (Newcastle Knights), Tedesco (Wests Tigers), Guerra (Sydney Roosters), Staltonstall (Warrington), Ghetti (Northern Pride); Maccan (Tweed Head), Laffranchi (St Helens); Parata (Parramatta), Vaughan (Canberra), Mark Minichiello (Gold Coast), Santi (Parramatta), Riethmuller (North Queensland).
Replacements: Falcone (South Logan), Hiscox (Central Coast), Giole Celerino (North West Roosters, Italy), Gardel (South Logan), Calegari (Lezignan), Chris Centrino (North Sydney), Ciraldo (Penrith), Ciaurro (Coventry), Nasso (Avignon), Musalino (Manly Sea Eagles), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor).
