Italy stun Scotland to kickstart Six Nations campaign

Guinness Six Nations

Italy 18-15 Scotland

Italy produced a memorable victory over Scotland in the opening round of the Six Nations, prevailing 18-15 in a match dominated by heavy rain.

The conditions made ball-handling a constant challenge, yet the home side capitalised on their opportunities to claim a famous win in an immensely atmospheric Stadio Olimpico.

From the first whistle, it was clear that the rain would be a defining factor. Italy adapted quickly, using clever kicking and controlled phases to probe the Scottish defence. Wing Louis Lynagh gave Italy an early lead with a smart finish following a well-worked lineout move, despite Paolo Garbisi’s conversion from the corner missing.

Centre Tommaso Menoncello then extended the advantage, sprinting down the left flank after scrum-half Alessandro Fusco’s precise box-kick put Italy in prime position. Garbisi’s conversion this time was on target, and Italy led 12-0 within the first 20 minutes.

Scotland struggled to get into their rhythm in the sodden conditions, with their set-piece often letting them down. Their breakthrough came when impressive number eight Jack Dempsey broke through the Italian defence after repeated phases near the home 22, giving number ten Finn Russell a straightforward conversion to reduce the deficit to 12-7.

Despite the pressure from Scotland, the Azzurri remained composed. The forwards dominated the contact areas, and Garbisi’s penalty extended Italy’s lead to 15-7 just before half-time, allowing the hosts to enter the break with an eight-point cushion.

The second half saw continued rain, turning the pitch into a slick, challenging surface. Scotland’s attempts to gain momentum were hampered by handling errors and penalties, while Italy’s disciplined approach kept them ahead.

A key moment arrived when Italy back rower Manuel Zuliani was the recipient of a high tackle by George Turner, resulting in a yellow card for the replacement hooker. Italy capitalised with Garbisi adding a penalty to restore their eight-point lead at 18-10.

Scotland launched a late surge. George Horne slid over in the corner thanks to the visitors’ lineout maul, but Russell’s missed conversion left them trailing 18-15. Despite sustained pressure and multiple phases inside the Italian 22 in the closing minutes, Scotland could not find a way through the stubborn home defence. Max Williamson’s last attempt to get Scotland over the line was thwarted, sealing the three-point win for the hosts.

The final whistle saw Italy claim victory once again versus the Scots in Rome, having done so in 2024.

Italy: Marin; Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari; Cannone, Zambonin; Lamaro (c), Zuliani, Cannone.

Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Garbisi, Da Re, Pani.

Scotland: Jordan; Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu (c), Dobie; Russell, White; Schoeman, Ashman, Z Fagerson, Cummings, Gilchrist; M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Turner, McBeth, Millar-Mills, Williamson, Brown, Horne, Hastings, Graham.