Italy have proven their last win was no fluke as they took a 26-19 win over the Wallabies in Udine.
The Wallabies had a rare half-time lead as the return of Carter Gordon sparked their attack.
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But it was a pair of wingers very familiar with Australia that proved the difference as Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane crossed for back-to-back tries to put the hosts in front.
Their impressive defence held on from here, delighting the home crowd and sinking the Wallabies.
Italy had dreams of backing up their 2022 heroics in Florence, and some early ill-discipline from the visitors presented them with the chance to build a lead.
Four penalties inside the first ten minutes presented the chance for the hosts to command field position early as Paolo Garbisi kicked a pair of penalties for a 6-0 lead.
The injection of Carter Gordon into the Wallabies' backline proved dividends early as the fly-half made an excellent break to flip field possession to spark their attack.
It was another returning star in Matt Faessler that saluted thanks to the strong territory as the hooker barged over from a perfect rolling maul that started from the 22.
The Wallabies extended their lead afterwards when Jake Gordon dummied and broke free of the line inside the 22. Prop Angus Bell eventually stretched over the line from close to extend Australia’s advantage.
Fraser McReight’s excellent end-of-year tour continues with several massive turnovers as the Wallabies took a 12-9 lead into the break.
Garbisi levelled the scores to begin the second half, making it a perfect four from four before the returning Gordon took advantage of an advantageous strip on captain Harry Wilson.
The flyhalf collected the loose ball and stepped former Rebels teammate Monty Ioane to dive over to the ire of the home fans and Italian coach Gonzalo Quesada, who kicked the advertising boards behind him in frustration after the TMO confirmed the on-field call.
Carter Gordon thought he had the lead for Australia after pouncing on a loose ball ripped out of Harry Wilson’s hands, only for the TMO to spot the knock-on from the captain in the process.
Gordon would depart in the 55th minute as his ongoing battle with a quad complaint hampered him.
It took two wingers with Australian heritage to spark Italy and turn the game as Louis Lynagh, son of Michael, dived over to level the scores.
The try was computed as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii went to the bin for one too many penalties on the Australian line.
With the numbers advantage, Ioane gave Italy the lead with 17 minutes to go.
The Wallabies tried to fight back, with Billy Pollard held up over the line five minutes later.
An intercept to Federico Ruzza almost secured the win then and there for Italy, but a loose carry gave the Wallabies a late shot at levelling the scores.
Back-to-back steals to Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight positioned Australia on the Italy 22, only for Italy to produce their own game-sealing turnover.
Italy 26 (Tries: L.Lynagh, Ioane; Cons: Garbisi 2; Pens: Garbisi 4) def Wallabies 19 (Tries: Faessler, Bell, C.Gordon; Cons: Kellaway 2)
