Italy 23 Fiji 8: Italy grabbed two tries in a strong second-half performance at a snow-covered Brianteo stadium in Monza on Saturday.

After an evenly-balanced first half that ended 3-3, the home side seized control of the game two minutes after the restart.

Aggressive Italian play was rewarded when hooker Fabio Ongaro scored a close-range try. Centre Mirco Bergamasco grabbed a second after Fijian fullback Norman Ligairi had gone over for the visitors.

Two minutes from the break both sides were reduced to 14 men.

Fiji second row Kele Leawere was yellow-carded for a dangerous high tackle and Italian number eight Sergio Parisse followed him after punching out in retaliation.

Italy seized control of the contest in the second half, finally converting possession into points.

Scorers: Italy: Tries: Ongaro, M Bergamasco. Cons: Pez 2. Pens: Pez 3. Fiji: Tries: Ligairi. Pens: Bai.