Luna Rossa has beaten Team UK in the first two races of the America's Cup Challenger Selection Series finals on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.
Photo: Photosport / Chris Cameron
In light winds the British picked up a penalty at the startline in the first race for crossing too early and then couldn't catch-up with the Italians over the six legs of the race, losing by 1 minute and 52 seconds.
The second race of the day in stronger winds was closer, but the Italians still won by 26 seconds.
The Italians had a point to prove after losing to the British three times this year, but cruised to victory on Saturday.
During race one early errors hindered the British.
Falling off their foils before the start cost Sir Ben Ainslie's team as did two boundary penalties.
The British missteps gave the Italians a chance to get a lead they did not give up.
Luna Rossa passed through the first windward gate 1 minute 20 seconds ahead. By the bottom gate they had stretched out to 1 minute 36 seconds.
Another lap of the course and the Italians were continuing to deliver a flawless performance in the light conditions and had pulled out to nearly 2 minutes.
In second race it was an even start but by gate 1 Luna Rossa had an 11 second lead.
With boats opting sail on different sides of the course, the Italians were able to get out to a 270 metre lead at the second gate.
Through Gate 3 Luna Rossa had edged out a few more seconds to round 19 seconds ahead as the pair chose opposite marks.
This time on the downwind leg the speeds were much more closely matched with nothing between them. And in the steady sea breeze, no real opportunity for Team UK to make up the distance.
The match-up between Luna Rossa and Team UK is the first time two 'European' nations have gone head-to-head in the last chance finals series.
The first team to win seven races in the finals series will move on to race Team New Zealand in the America's Cup in March.
Racing in the Challenger Selection Series finals resumes on Sunday with two races scheduled, from 4pm.