Italy Coach`s Bergamasco Experiment Backfires

Italy coach Nick Mallett accepted his experiment of playing Mauro Bergamasco at scrumhalf in the 36-11 loss to England at Twickenham on Saturday had backfired.

"I think I've learnt my lesson there and I think Mauro will be considered as a flanker," Mallett told a news conference.

Bergamasco, who had 69 previous caps at flanker, started at scrumhalf on Saturday after injuries to Mallett's three leading number nines but, after an error-strewn 40 minutes, he was replaced at halftime by the inexperienced Giulio Toniolatti.

Bergamasco's inability to adapt to the key position was highlighted after 28 minutes by a loose pass that flew over centre Gonzalo Garcia's head and led to a try by Riki Flutey.

"I thought about replacing him after 25 minutes but out of respect for him I left him on," Mallett said.

"After the first half he was disappointed. It was better for the team to change him and leave the two flankers on the pitch."

England attack coach Brian Smith paid tribute to his side's role in making Bergamasco's task even harder.

"It was very brave on his (Bergamasco's) part to take on the change," he said.

"I thought he made a fist of it but our boys defended very well. Nick took a bit of a gamble there, on another day it might have paid off."

Mallett will now look for an alternative scrumhalf remedy for the game against Ireland at the Stadio Flaminio next week but has not completely ruled out another run for Bergamasco.

"It would have been ideal for him to play six months in that position because clearly it's a position that requires experience and an accuracy of pass," he said.

"I still believe physically that he's got the ability but unfortunately, technically, he didn't today.