Italy storm to victory to dampen Scottish Spirits

Italy opened their Guinness Six Nations campaign with a hard-fought victory in horrendous conditions in Rome, overcoming a Scotland side that simply seemed to struggle.

The home side started brightly; Louis Lynagh opened the scoring before Tommaso Menoncello swiftly added a second just six minutes later. Jack Dempsey managed to get Scotland on the scoreboard in the 24th minute, but it wasn't enough to stop Italy from taking a 15-7 lead into the changing rooms at half-time.

During the break, the heavens opened. As rain poured down at the Stadio Olimpico, the worsening conditions set the stage for a grueling second half. Again, it was the Azzurri who claimed the first points of the period, this time from the boot of Paolo Garbisi, stretching the lead to 11 points.

When George Turner was sent to the sin bin, Scotland’s mountain became even steeper, yet Gregor Townsend’s side were the ones to score next. Replacement scrum-half George Horne went over in the corner to set up a nervy final quarter, though Finn Russell was unable to add the all-important conversion.

The closing stages were a battle of wills. Italy sought to put the game to bed, while Scotland knew a single score could change everything—a penalty or drop goal to draw level, or a try to snatch the win. The visitors carried for nearly 30 phases in a desperate search for an opening, but Italy’s disciplined defensive work eventually forced a maul. Winning the ball back, Italy secured the possession—and the match.

Italy travel to Dublin next week to take on Ireland, while Scotland return home to welcome England to Murrayfield.