Livewire fullback Ange Capuozzo has scored a brace of tries, as Italy claimed a historic first-ever victory over Australia at their 19th attempt, with a 28-27 triumph at Florence.
Replacement flyhalf Ben Donaldson had the chance to convert a late Australian score for the win, but put his effort wide of the posts to signal jubilant celebrations from the Italian players.
Winger Pierre Bruno also scored a try for the home side, who were full value for the victory and might have won by a greater margin, had they not missed out on 14 points with kickable penalties and conversions.
Australia scored tries through winger Tom Wright, flanker Fraser McReight, prop Tom Robertson and lock Cadeyrn Neville, but gave away too many penalties through indiscipline and were poor on their own set-piece, when in attacking positions.
"It means a lot for the boys, they grafted hard all game and we dug deep," said Welsh-born Italy halfback Stephen Varney. "We are building well, we have very good coaches.
"We are proud to be part of this team and have great leaders."
"Capuozzo is an amazing player, he has turned up all year and put in strong performances. I'm really happy for him."
The loss compounded a miserable year for Australia, during which they lost eight tests, piling the pressure on head coach Dave Rennie 10 months out from the World Cup in France.
They face Ireland next week and complete their autumn series against Wales. Italy host South Africa.
The Wallabies came up against a fired-up Italy, who have been much improved, since NZ-born coach Kieran Crowley took charge, matching their visitors in the physical battle and applying pressure on their set-piece.
The visitors were not accurate enough when they did have chances to score, notably from attacking lineouts, after turning down relatively simple shots at goal from penalties.
Discipline has been the Wallabies' Achilles heel this year and that was again the case, as they gave away 16 penalties and had a yellow card for scrumhalf Jake Gordon.
Italy led 17-8 at halftime and scored two of their three tries while he was in the sin-bin.
Despite their poor performance, Australia might still have won, when Neville crossed for a try after the hooter, but Donaldson could not direct his pressure conversion on target.
Reuters
