Italy ended a 13-match winless run by beating Samoa 24-6 in a rugby union international on Saturday.

The Italians scored two tries. Luke McLean went over in the first half and in the final minutes, referee Christophe Berdos awarded Italy a penalty try after Samoa continued to infringe at scrums on their line.

Mirco Bergamasco added eight points with two penalties and a conversion, while Craig Gower kicked a penalty and scrumhalf Tito Tebaldi slotted a second-half drop goal.

For Samoa, Titi Esau scored two penalties.

Samoa's Henry Fa'afili was sent off late on for a high tackle on McLean.

The result moves Italy above Samoa into 11th in the International Rugby Board rankings, with Samoa slipping to 12th.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP