Italy v Scotland live: Scots slip to costly defeat as Azzurri hang on for memorable Six Nations win
Italy 18-15 Scotland: The Azzurri clung on for almost 30 phases at the end to ramp up the heat on under-fire Scotland boss Gregor Townsend
Scotland suffered a damaging defeat to open their Six Nations campaign in Rome as the pressure ramps up on Gregor Townsend after Italy clung on for an 18-15 triumph in torrential rain at the Stadio Olimpico.
Townsend began this tournament under a degree of pressure after a November in which Scotland stumbled, and has had to bat away questions over links with the Newcastle Red Bulls in recent days. This loss – a second in three years to the Azzurri – won’t have helped his cause and will only increase frustration among Scotland supporters at their failure to properly challenge for the title, with the likelihood of breaking that streak this year now seeming remote.
Gonzalo Quesada’s ever-improving Italy may have been stung by a few injuries ahead of the championship but Louis Lynagh and Tommaso Menoncello scored lovely early tries before the boot of Paolo Garbisi kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Jack Dempsey and George Horne crossed for the visitors, who moved within three points in the closing stages, but then saw almost 30 phases in the final play of the game go to waste as the Italian defence held firm and got their Six Nations off to an ideal start.
Relive an enthralling Six Nations clash with our live blog below:
Italy overcome Scotland and wretched conditions as pressure builds on Gregor Townsend
Pressure mounted on Gregor Townsend as Scotland suffered a disastrous Six Nations start by losing 18-15 to Italy in rain-lashed Rome.
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.
As Italy held firm for a deserved victory on a sodden Stadio Olimpico surface, it was the first time since 2020 that Townsend's side had lost their opening game of the Six Nations.
The timing of this horror show in the Eternal City could hardly be worse for the long-serving head coach, given that his position was already under intense scrutiny after a poor autumn campaign and following his contentious decision to take on a part-time consultancy role with Red Bull.
Italy overcome Scotland and wretched conditions as pressure builds on Gregor Townsend
FT: Italy 18-15 Scotland
A tough, tough defeat for Scotland, though - and more pressure on Gregor Townsend with the Calcutta Cup to come next week. Where do they go from here?
FT: Italy 18-15 Scotland
Tremendous scenes in Rome. Wretched conditions, a pretty wretched game, but some win from Italy to kick start their tournament. They were much the better team in the first half and when the properly nasty conditions came in, their early advantage proved vital.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 85 minutes
Still onwards they go. 28 phases, 29, here’s the 30th - BUT SCOTLAND ARE HELD UP! ITALIANS SWARM AROUND THE BALL CARRIER AND IT’S NOT COMING BACK.
THAT’LL BE THAT!
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 84 minutes
Scotland have made about 10 metres, before a punchy charge from Jack Dempsey adds about five more. Into the Italian 22 they go.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 83 minutes
It’s one-out rugby from Scotland, as it sort of has to be. 17 phases and counting.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 82 minutes
Some dart from George Turner, that, right to the tail but on the money. Tommaso Menoncello nearly gets over the ball for a turnover penalty but Scotland just about shift him.
Nervous moments, these. Scotland can’t afford an error of any kind in horrible conditions.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 80 minutes
This will be it. Scotland penalty advantage. Tom Jordan slips having been chopped at the knees.
They’ll need that penalty. It’s too far to chance an effort at goal.
Finn Russell punts to touch 25 metres or so from the Italian line. Home captain Michele Lamaro, replaced earlier, brings his hands together in prayer.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 78 minutes
Wretched! Italy make a mess of their maul but that, from Jack Dempsey, is horrendous, a complete hack of a kick that slices off the outside of his boot all of five metres.
There is a knock on to come back for. And Scotland win a penalty! They’ll have one last shot from their own 10-metre line and a lineout.
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