Italy know they must improve after narrow escape against Canada

Italy avoided a Canadian calamity at Elland Road on Saturday but outhalf Tommaso Allan admits the team must improve offensively if they are to make a contest of their clash with Ireland next weekend.

Jacques Brunel's men suffered mental and physical scars from an encounter they may have looked upon as a five-pointer as Canada impressed in all areas.

Canada coach Kieran Crowley put the 23-18 defeat down to an inexperience in his side against the more battle-hardened Italians, who were able to bring the experienced Mauro Bergamasco off the bench to appear in a fifth World Cup.

Allan kicked a vital 13 points in the win, with prop Michele Rizzo and centre Gonzalo Garcia touching down in response to Canadian tries from man of the match DTH van der Merwe and Matt Evans.

It was the try that did not count which was arguably decisive, however, with Phil Mackenzie's touchdown chalked off for a forward pass by Conor Trainor.

Ireland are Italy’s next opponents, and Allan knows his team have a lot to work on.

“A win’s a win, it hasn’t happened since February so we can build on this going towards Ireland. The boys aren’t as happy as they could have been but we shuttered it out until the end of the game.”

Italy will provide injury updates on number eight Sergio Parisse (calf) and hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini (leg) today.