The Azzurri top Pool A with 10 points from two games thanks to their second bonus-point win, having beaten Namibia in their opener, while hosts France have eight points and New Zealand have five.
After passing a tough test against Uruguay, they have grounds to hope that pulling off a big surprise against the All Blacks on September 29 or France on October 6 to reach the last eight and make some sporting history is not out of the question.
They had to dig deep on Wednesday as they were 17-7 down at half time after having two players sin-binned in the first 40 minutes, before blowing the Uruguayans away after the break.
“We didn’t chase after the match,” said captain Michele Lamaro, whose try sparked Italy’s comeback and who was named Player of the Match.
“We stayed focused at half time and after the break we performed as we planned to, dominating Uruguay until the end.
“I think the second half was one of the best ever played by this group.
“The level of the tier two teams is growing significantly,” added the 25-year-old flanker.
“We are at a World Cup, and everyone is here to win.
“It’s hard to wrap up the game in the first 40 minutes.
“But if you keep up the pressure, like we did, the difference can come out in the second half.”
ANSA
