Wales eighth at U20 Championship after Italy loss
Italy (15) 31
Tries: Casartelli 2, Zanandrea Cons: Braga 2 Pens: Braga 4
Wales (13) 23
Tries: Davies, Boshoff Cons: Ford, Wilde Pens: Ford 3
Wales finished eighth at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship after losing 31-23 to hosts Italy in their last game.
Harri Ford and Francesco Braga exchanged early penalties at the Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo, before Wales scrum-half Sion Davies went over for a converted try.
But two quick tries from Nelson Casartelli and Federico Zanandrea put Italy ahead, although Ford trimmed their lead to 15-13 at half-time with his second penalty.
Casartelli crossed for his second try early in the second half, but despite having Dan Gemine in the sin bin, Wales managed to earn a penalty shot for Ford to keep Richard Whiffin's side in the game.
Two more Braga penalties nudged Italy into a 28-16 lead with 11 minutes remaining, before Wales had Harry Thomas sin-binned and then Evan Minto sent off after receiving a second yellow for a no-arms tackle.
Braga's fourth penalty stretched the lead further for Italy, who finished with 13 men on the pitch after late yellow cards for Giacomo Milano and Nicola Bolognini.
Aidan Boshoff scored a late consolation try for Wales, converted by Harri Wilde, to give the scoreline a better look.
Wales end the tournament having lost to Argentina and France prior to beating Spain in the pool stage. They were beaten by England in the fifth-eighth place play-off.
Wales U20s suffer seven-try thumping by 14-man England
Wales U20s fight back to claim Spain victory
France overhaul Wales at U20 World Championship
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