Italy fire up their World Cup campaign with comeback win over Canada

That Mauro Bergamasco came off the bench in this fortuitous victory over Canada to become only the second player in history to play at five World Cups is testament to both the flanker’s resilience and Italy’s stagnation since joining Europe’s top table 15 years ago.Here the Azzurri got out of jail but they will need to beat Ireland next Sunday to maintain hopes of a first-ever quarter-final and, while Sergio Parisse is capable of some extraordinary things, there is no guarantee he will be fit to galvanise this torpid Italian side. Continue reading...