Andrea Marcato's last-gap conversion gave Italy a thrilling 13-12 victory over Argentina in Cordoba.

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The Azzurri had been behind throughout a tight encounter but snatched it at the death when Marcato converted Leonardo Ghiraldini's try.

Fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez gave Argentina an early lead with two early penalties but then had to leave the field after sustaining a hand injury.

Marcelo Bosch moved to stand-off and assumed the kicking duties, slotting over two more penalties to extend the hosts' advantage.

Italy's sole reply was a three-pointer from Marcato as the Pumas went in to half-time 12-3 ahead.

Another Marcato penalty reduced the arrears further although Nick Mallett's side were given a let-off when Horacio Agulla knocked-on when he seemed poised to go over for the first try.

Having ridden their luck, Italy struck with a rolling maul which resulted in Ghiraldini going over.

And Marcato held his nerve to secure an impressive win for Italy.