Italy struggled to find a way past Canada in a scrappy game

Italy are fully focused on their crucial pool match against Wales after edging out Canada in Canberra.

The Azzurri looked to have the win in the bag midway through the second half, but were hanging on in the final minutes for a 19-14 win.

Coach John Kirwan blamed his side's error-strewn display on nerves.

"There were too many silly mistakes in an average performance. The boys were too uptight," Kirwan said.

"We couldn't hang on to the ball and get any rhythm going, but it's out of the way and it's all about the next one now.

"Our performance against Tonga was more how we play and I'm happy to have got the mistakes out of the way tonight."

The "next one" is Wales on Saturday and Carlo Checchinato, his side's third captain on the night, echoed his coach's sentiments.

Match report: Italy 19-14 Canada

"We won and that's the main thing," the veteran forward said.

"We did all we could to give them the possibility to win. Maybe we lacked a little bit of confidence with a slippery ball.

"Now we can look forward to the Welsh game."