England’s U20 title hopes over despite five-try win

Men’s Under-20 Six Nations

Italy (7) 17

Tries: Celi, Pelli, Faissal Cons: Celi

England (10) 37

England’s Under-20 Six Nations title hopes ended on Friday despite a 37-17 victory over Italy in Treviso.

England ran in five tries to return to winning ways after losing to Ireland in round three, but they can no longer catch runaway leaders France after Les Bleus overwhelmed Scotland 46-25.

Italy fly-half Pietro Celi put his side ahead after England threw away multiple opportunities to score through poor discipline.

Will Knight’s try brought England level before Finn Keylock’s conversion and penalty kick gave the visitors a narrow 10-7 half-time lead.

Andy Titterrell’s side extended their lead after the break when influential scrum-half Lucas Friday raced over.

Italy responded with two tries from hooker Valerio Pelli and winger Malik Faissal to bring the deficit back to three points.

Seb Kelly powered over to score England’s third try before Keylock touched down for England’s bonus-point fourth, which was closely followed by a final try from replacement George Marsh.

Italy: Celi; Faissal, De Novellis, Casarin (capt), Roda; Braga, Varotto; Brasini, Pelli, Trevisan, Spreafichi, Fardin, Wilson, Bianchi, Miranda.

Replacements: Reina, Boccato, Meroi, Sette, Dene, Teodosio, Antoni, Del Sureto.

England: Pater; Caluori, Lilley, Knight, Offiah; Keylock, Friday; Scola, Staples, Streeter, Williams, Ainsworth-Cave, Williams, Kelly, Treacey (capt).