Turkey held on to overcome Italy 18-14 in a pulsating women’s international, after leading 12-4 at the break. The game was superbly refereed by Serbian official Vladan Kikanovic and held at the sunny Beylerbeyi Stadium. Tries from Turkey’s Ecem Acikzog and Esen Gul, both converted by Acikzog, put the hosts 12-0 in front before an unconverted try by Italy’s Gioga Lozzi just before half time saw them back in the contest. Italy began the second half strongly and scored through Alessandra Berotti, however, a try by Mehtap Korku, again converted by Acikzog put Turkey into an unassailable 18-8 lead. A late try for Italy by Virgina Pinaello, converted by Valentina Viesin proved to be consolation for the visitors.