The Italians became the first tier one side to fall to the Georgians in July, forced to dwell on the result for four months before facing the touring Samoans, the Pacific Nations Cup champions.
Italy cavorted in perfect afternoon conditions in front of a sold out crowd at the cosy Stadio Plebiscito in Padua on Saturday, scoring six tries with doubles for wings Montanna Ioane and Pierre Bruno.
“The boys have been dying to get out there, and did really well,” said scrumhalf Stephen Varney, back after missing Italy’s last five Tests.
Varney, 21, and halves partner Paolo Garbisi, 22, pulled the strings to produce Italy’s highest score and biggest win against Samoa.
The Azzurri were ruthlessly efficient in Samoa’s 22, virtually taking every chance with brilliant finishing. They even broke out from their own 22 for the best try of a surprisingly one-sided match.
Samoa finished with tries to former Wallabies back Duncan Paia’aua and flanker Theo McFarland, but they were little consolation.
“That’s not good enough,” Samoa captain Michael Alaalatoa said. “We need an 80-minute performance.”
Samoa are in Georgia next weekend, while Italy will welcome Australia.
― With AAP.
