Italy v Scotland LIVE: Result and reaction from Six Nations as Azzurri hold on for famous win in Rome
Italy 31-29 Scotland: The Azzurri held on in a thriller to seal a first win over Scotland since 2015
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Winger Louis Lynagh made himself an instant hero with a try on debut as Italy rallied to beat Scotland 31-29 in a dramatic Six Nations clash and put a huge dent in their opponents’ championship hopes.
The son of former Australia great Michael Lynagh was born in Italy and his try, along with scores from centre Ignacio Brex and replacement scrumhalf Stephen Varney, helped Italy come from 22-16 down at halftime and underline their improvement under new coach Gonzalo Quesada.
Scotland were dominant in the opening half-hour, scoring tries through props Zander Fagerson and Pierre Schoeman and winger Kyle Steyn, but they made numerous errors and could only manage a late try from lock Sam Skinner in the remainder of the game.
Italy forced that pressure with a heroic display as they claimed a first win over Scotland since 2015, and made up to a degree for their 13-13 draw with France last time out when fly half Paolo Garbisi missed a kick at the end of the game to win it.
Relive the Italy vs Scotland thriller in today’s blog below:
Italy 10-14 Scotland, 22 minutes
A higher hoist from Russell, and a better one, Duhan van der Merwe getting beneath it and using his bulk to make certain of possession. Scotland fail to secure the ruck, though, and Italy clear long up the centre of the pitch.
But that’s poor from the hosts, needlessly infringing at a ruck with Scotland playing somewhat aimlessly inside their own half.
Italy 10-14 Scotland, 21 minutes
Andy Christie holds the width on the left and waits for a Finn Russell cross kick, which for once is not quite pinpoint. One club too many from the fly half, lifting his approach over a leaping Christie on the touchline. A shame - there was space in front of the flanker, who is a real athlete.
Italy 10-14 Scotland, 19 minutes
Louis Lynagh thinks he is dashing away to a first international score, hacking ahead a loose ball after a couple of teammates had caused some breakdown bother. But there had been a fumble on the floor just before Lynagh put his toe through it - he’s called back and it will be Scotland’s scrum.
Italy 10-14 Scotland, 18 minutes
A jaunty little opening quarter, then, with both sides rather enjoying the bright Roman sunshine. Here’s that opening Scottish score.
TRY! ITALY 10-14 Scotland (Juan Ignacio Brex try, 16 minutes)
Can they ever!
A delighful Italian score! Hooker Giacomo Nicotera breaks away from the maul and finds Martin Page-Relo, who appears to have three runners to pick to his outside. But the scrum half produces something altogether more extravagant, deftly dropping boot to ball and lifting delicately over the approaching Scottish defensive line.
Juan Ignacio Brex wins the race and just about holds on as he squeezes past the post padding to the line. Fabulous thinking and execution from Italy.
Italy 3-14 Scotland, 14 minutes
So after that strong first minute for Italy, it’s been all Scotland. Can the hosts produce something from a lineout on the fringes of the Scottish 22?
TRY! Italy 3-14 SCOTLAND (Kyle Steyn try, 12 minutes)
Scotland are over again!
This is a worrying start for Italy, who have been totally unable to slow the visitors down on attack. Duhan van der Merwe scythes between a couple of tacklers on the left, perhaps aided by a teammate easing a defender out the way, and Scotland keep their calm and continuity from there.
Kyle Steyn has the long strides and powerful finish required to capitalise on the right, shrugging Ange Capuozzo off his shoulders like a weary parent shedding themselves of an unruly toddler. Another Finn Russell conversion makes Scotland’s start all the better.
Italy 3-7 Scotland, 10 minutes
Scotland play out into midfield from the lineout, and it’s crisp and clean from their centres, Huw Jones making the half-break and offloading to Kyle Steyn. Jones is on the ball again as Scotland move into the Italian 22, but fumbles as he attempts to free his arms for another pass out of contact. Italy clear - but not to touch, and back Scotland will come.
Italy 3-7 Scotland, 9 minutes
That’s a third Test try in 66 caps for Zander Fagerson, who really has become a pillar of solidity on the right side of the Scottish scrum.
Italy look in a frisky mood, playing with tempo but running into trouble. Monty Ioane jinks and jives away from a ruck but is corraled, and Scottish hands get to the breakdown ball to win a penalty.
TRY! Italy 3-7 SCOTLAND (Zander Fagerson try, 7 minutes)
Try given!
Zander Fagerson gets over. It was all a little harum-scarum to start from Scotland, but theey focussed well in the 22, playing with accuracy and intensity. Fagerson has support from Rory Darge and Scott Cummings and biffs his way through.
Finn Russell converts.
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