Italy 48 Tonga 0: Italy built on a fine backline performance to run in seven tries in a crushing of Tonga in Florence on Saturday.

Italy captain Marco Bortolami led by example, scoring twice, and winger Mirco Bergamasco added a third as the home side sprinted to a 21-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes.

Tonga prevented the Azzurri getting more points before halftime but crumbled after the restart and centre Gonzalo Canale took advantage of a defensive error to grab their fourth try.

Number eight Josh Sole dived over the line twice and Bergamasco grabbed his second try of the match just before the end to complete the rout.

So often portrayed as being overly reliant on their forwards, Italy's excellent all-round performance was just what coach Pierre Berbizier had hoped for in his first game on home soil since taking over from John Kirwan in April.