Italy will look to right the wrongs of their defeat against Scotland when they face Fiji in the Autumn Nations Cup, insists defence coach Marius Goosen.
The Azzurri appeared to be on course for victory against Gregor Townsend’s side for much of the game in Florence, leading 11-7 at the break thanks to Matteo Minozzi’s superb try.
Paolo Gabrisi’s boot added another couple of penalties after the restart as the hosts kept their noses in front before Scotland staged a dramatic comeback in the final 20 minutes.
Tries from Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings and George Turner saw the visitors claim a bonus-point win as Franco Smith’s men were left empty handed at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
And Goosen rued Italy’s loss of concentration in the closing stages of the Group B encounter, calling on his players to learn from their mistakes for their next game against Fiji.
“We played a good match for most of the match,” he said. “In the final minutes there was a lack of concentration in some phases and Scotland managed to overturn the result that was in our favour.
“Compared to the matches against Ireland and England, the growth that has been made is evident, especially in the setting of the action.
“We have a young group at our disposal and we are confident that by working in this direction we can achieve better results.”
Ahead of the visit of Fiji on Saturday, Goosen stressed the desire of the Italy players to reach their potential as he reflected on how difficult it is to play without any fans in the stadium.
“Towards the next match against Fiji we will have to work on some game situations that have not worked well,” Goosen added. “There is a great desire to do well.
“It is strange [playing without a crowd] but the thing that is highlighted is the continuous support that everyone – players on the bench, in the stands and the entire staff – constantly makes those on the field feel.”
