Italy stun Scotland to kickstart Six Nations campaign

Pressure mounted on Gregor Townsend as Scotland suffered a disastrous Guinness Six Nations start by losing 18-15 to Italy in rain-lashed Rome as the hosts picked up steam before their trip to Dublin next weekend. The fired-up Azzurri raced into a 12-point lead within 14 minutes and the Scots – with back-three big-hitters Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe all dropped amid question marks over their form – were unable to get their attack firing in response, while their set-piece continually malfunctioned.

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Gian Piero Gasperini appointed new Roma manager

AS Roma have appointed former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini as their new manager on a three-year contract. Gasperini, who guided Atalanta to third in Italy’s Serie A and qualification for the Champions League this season, replaces Claudio Ranieri. The Italian spent nine successful years in Bergamo but opted for a “new challenge” taking up the reins at the Stadio Olimpico.

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Ireland limp to victory against inspired Italy

Ireland held off a spirited Italy to secure a bonus-point win in Rome and keep alive their faint hopes of winning a third consecutive Six Nations. Hugo Keenan’s first-half score and Dan Sheehan’s hat-trick ensured a win that took Ireland to 19 points in the table, three clear of France and four ahead of England. Italy scored tries through Monty Ioane and Stephen Varney, but ultimately paid the price for ill discipline.

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Merciless France hit Italy for eleven tries in Rome

France scored 11 tries to thrash Italy in a high-scoring contest to set up a potential Six Nations decider with Grand Slam-chasing Ireland. The game, with 14 tries, broke the previous championship record of 12 tries in a match, and it was also France’s highest score in the Six Nations. In a thrilling 52-point first half, Italy opened the scoring through Tommaso Menoncello, but France scored three answered tries to regain control.

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Warren Gatland leaves post as Wales head coach

Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales head coach during the Six Nations after a record 14 successive Test match defeats.Gatland, 61, was contracted until the 2027 World Cup but has departed by mutual consent, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will take over as interim head coach for the remaining three games of the Six Nations.

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