Jake Maizen scored the first hat‑trick of the Rugby League World Cup as Italy, playing a first international game for three years, produced a magnificent team display to keepalive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages with a 28-4 win over Scotland.
Italy’s last fixture was a qualifier for this very tournament in November 2019, with the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the ability of Leo Epifania’s side to play regularly. On this display, though, the Azzurri will be hopeful of becoming a regular presence in European rugby league.
