In the second half Sculli scored for Italy on 52 minutes after a Matthew Willimas error and disaster struck in the 80th minute when Sculli was brought down in the box by Michael Price and Gaetano D'Agostino scored from the spot to deny Wales a creditable draw.
Cardiff City's James Collins made his debut with a few minutes remaining but had no time to make an impact.
So it's 25 games without a win for the Welsh lads. Tonight was not about the shortcomings of the Welsh, the Italians have lost only 4 games in the last 30 and for Wales to run them so close was a fine testament to the boys.