Ialy edge Scotland 18-15 in wet Rome battle

Italy 18-15 Scotland, Stadio Olimpico

Italy secured a memorable 18-15 victory over Scotland in heavy rain at the Stadio Olimpico, making the most of limited opportunities in a Six Nations match dominated by slippery conditions and territorial play.

Fast Italian start in difficult conditions

From the opening minutes, the weather dictated tactics as both teams relied heavily on kicking and forward pressure. Italy adapted quickest and struck first when Louis Lynagh finished a structured lineout move in the corner in the 7th minute. Paolo Garbisi could not add the extras making it 5-0.

The hosts doubled their lead soon after. Alessandro Fusco’s accurate box kick pinned Scotland deep and Tommaso Menoncello capitalised, racing clear down the flank to score. This time Garbisi converted, giving Italy a 12-0 advantage.

Scotland fight back before the break

Scotland struggled to handle the wet ball early but gradually built phases through their forwards. Their reward came when Jack Dempsey powered over near the posts after sustained pressure. Finn Russell converted to cut the gap.

Italy responded before half-time through Garbisi’s penalty, stretching the lead to 15-7 at the interval after maintaining composure in defence.

Discipline and defence decide contest

Rain continued after the restart and errors became frequent. Russell started the proceedings for Scotland with a three-pointer to make it 15-10. A high tackle on Manuel Zuliani resulted in a yellow card for George Turner, allowing Garbisi to extend the margin with another penalty to 18-10.

Scotland mounted a late push and George Horne crossed in the corner in the 66th minute after a driving attack. Russell’s missed conversion kept Italy ahead by three points.

Despite sustained pressure in the closing minutes, Italy’s defence held firm to secure the 18-15 victory to start the Championship with a win.

Team line up:

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

Reserves: 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.

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