Scotland vs Italy LIVE: Six Nations result and reaction as title-chasing hosts start with hard-fought win
Scotland 31-19 Italy: Scotland raced into an early lead but the Azzurri fought back to 19-19 before the hosts pulled away late on
Scotland have hope of mounting a Six Nations title challenge as they embark on a fresh campaign against Italy.
While optimism has been punctured somewhat by a string of untimely injuries, Gregor Townsend’s settled squad are confident that they can build on their development over the last few years and back up big performances to challenge for a long-awaited title. In the absence of captain Sione Tuipulotu, all-action openside Rory Darge and star fly half Finn Russell lead the hosts into a first battle with a visiting team that enjoyed a tournament to remember in 2024.
Two wins and a draw last year marked Italy’s best performance in 25 years as a constituent part of this championship. Many of the faces remain the same as Gonzalo Quesada seeks yet more progress with belief that his side’s days scrabbling for the wooden spoon may be at an end. An opening weekend win in Edinburgh would be quite the statement of intent...
Relive all the action from Murrayfield in our live blog below:
TRY! Scotland 19-19 Italy (Nacho Brex, 47 mins)
Italy really up for this defensively int he second half as Gray is knocked backwards. But a good box kick from White and Scotland recover. Good platform around the 22.
BUT OH WOW! Interception and Nacho Brex is in for the try. Russel dancing across the field, tries to pop to Jones but BRex gets in the passing lane, catches it cleanly and runs 60 metres for the try!
Conversion from bang in front and somehow, someway, Italy are level!
PENALTY! Scotland 19-12 Italy (Tommaso Allan, 45 mins)
No mistake from Tommaso Allan. Scotland have dominated this game but another Allan penalty and Italy are in touch.
Three tries to nil down but only seven points behind on the scoreboard...
Scotland 19-9 Italy, 44 mins
Running repairs on Federico Ruzza and he goes off for some blood clean-up with Niccolo Cannone coming on.
Great defensive set by Italy, forcing Scotland back and Menoncello is strong over the ball to win the penalty. Allan will kick for goal again
Scotland 19-9 Italy, 43 mins
Powerful carry by Gilchrist in midfield as Scotland run through the phases. Patience from the hosts and Zander Fagerson offloads to send Schoeman through.
But knock-on and Italy can hoof clear.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 19-9 Italy
Back underway in Edinburgh. Can Scotland see this game out or is an Italian comeback in the offing?
WATCH: Scotland lead at half-time in Edinburgh
Here are the first-half tries that have Scotland in control, including an unreal offload from Dave Cherry
HALF-TIME! Scotland 19-9 Italy
Italy go through a couple of phases to run out the clock and then kick to touch for half-time.
Scotland should be happy with their work in the first 40 - three tries through Rory Darge, Huw Jones and Ben White have them in control. The boot of Tommaso Allan keeping the Azzurri just about in touch.
PENALTY! Scotland 19-9 Italy (Tommaso Allan, 39 mins)
It’s 44m away, out to the left this time but no problem for Tommaso Allan. Another lovely kick and Italy have taken every chance they’ve had from the tee.
Scotland 19-6 Italy, 38 mins
Scotland struggling slightly at the scrum and Italy win a scrum penalty. A shot at the posts upcoming to move within 10 points.
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