Ireland's Under-18 team failed to put away their chances at Conegliano Venetto, near Treviso, on Saturday. Ireland led 6-3 at half-time, but Italy just about deserved their narrow success when they scored the only try of the match.

Italy drew first blood when their out-half, Marco Milianti, landed a penalty goal after 14 minutes. But Ireland equalised almost immediately when out-half Robbie Glennon kicked the first of his three penalties. Glennon slotted over his second penalty goal after 27 minutes play. Ireland were well in control for the rest of the first half, with the pack holding the upper hand.

When Glennon increased the lead 10 minutes into the second period, an Irish win looked on the cards. But Italy stole the spoils late in the game when Pietro Travagli got in for a try, and Andrea Masi landed the conversion to win the match.

IRELAND YOUTH: N O'Brien (Monivea, capt); D O'Riordan (Youghal), B Lynn (Wicklow), D Cantley (Dromore), B Burke (Barnhall); R Glennon (Edenderry), R Farrell (Tullamore); D Witherow (City of Derry), I Campbell (Limavady), J Roche (Highfield), T Barker (Malone), J Murphy (Highfield), B Prendeville (Abbeyfeale), C Finnerty (Tullamore), D Maguire (Longford). Replacements: J Boyd (Malone) for Prendeville (50 mins), M McPhail (Corinthians) for Burke (45), C Prime (Banbridge) for Roche (60).

Referee: A Rowden (England).