A new-look Manu Samoa made a strong statement against Italy winning 33 - 25 in the first game of the July Tests at the Apia Park Stadium on Friday.

Manu Samoa scored the first try of the match with first-five eighth Alai D'Angelo Leuila adding the extra two points.

Few minutes later Manu Samoa was penalised for a high tackle. Italy was able to get on the scoreboard with a penalty 7 - 3.

Manu Samoa fullback Duncan Paia'aua was sent to the sin bin pin for a deliberate knock-on.

With 14-men, Italy wing Monty Ioane scored the first try for Italy taking the scores to 7 - 8. Italy then scored another try taking the score to 18-7.

Nigel Ah Wong scored for the Manu just before the break to take the breather with Italy leading 18 - 12.

The second half started with Leuila adding three points through a penalty.

A highball from Italy's fullback was lost by Manu Samoa which led to Italy's flyhalf Paolo Garbisi diving under the post for a try.

Leiula added another three from the boots. Danny Toala was the next to cross the line and Leuila's on-spot kicks drew the scores.

Leuila then added another three. It was captain Theo McFarlane who broke the line the final minutes offloaded to debutant Afa Moleli for the winning try.

Manu Samoa head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger said his focus was his players, he understood that Italy was the same team that played in the Six Nations.

He said he was proud of his boys and the outcome of their game.

Tualima Anae Tuimauga, 78, was very emotional as he watched Manu Samoa beat Italy.

"These are tears of joy, I have never been this happy. This is my first time witnessing our Manu Samoa take on Italy and they won. I know we lost to them before but we won this time. I am very proud of boys, and I just want to acknowledge Mahonri and his management but especially the boys. This will be one moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life," he said.

Italy captain Michele Lamaro congratulated Samoa for the win. He said they made mistakes and allowed Samoa to take advantage of the opportunities.

Italy now heads to Tonga while Manu Samoa faces Spain on Saturday.