Italy 7 Ireland 15
A Beibhinn Parsons-inspired Ireland got their World Cup dreams back on track with a victory against Italy on Sunday.
After a shock defeat to Spain on Monday, Adam Griggs' side knew only a victory would suffice heading to the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma.
It was scoreless up until the 28th minute when Ireland's lineout set up a maul maul that rolled towards the Italian line.
Italy managed to stop the drive but then visitors went wide through Kathryn Dan and Stacy Flood before Parsons went over in the corner.
Ireland took a 5-0 lead into the break but Italy came out firing in the second half and Beatrice Rigoni broke down the touchline for a try, which coupled with a successful conversion, had them take a 7-5 lead.
With the match on a knife's edge, it was a moment from the prodigiously talented Parsons that lit up proceedings.
The 19-year-old took the ball inside her own 22 before showing electric pace to charge at the Italian defence.
Quickly she jinked got past one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, maybe eight Italians...
When she was eventually brought down, Parsons had brought Ireland well into the Italian half.
Ireland could then go wide where there was lots of space for Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe to score the match-winning try.
It means Ireland are now right back in this qualifying process, ahead of their final game against Scotland next Saturday.
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