Scotland 21 - 8 Italy
Scotland's disappointing Six Nations campaign ended on a high as they comfortably beat Italy at Murrayfield to avoid the wooden spoon.
First Half
Scotland started the game very impressively as the Italian defence had to endure waves of attacks, however, their defence held firm and after four minutes of play, Scotland had to settle for the penalty, which Chris Paterson converted to settle the nerves of the Murrayfield crowd. (Scotland 3-0 Italy)
Italy had the chance to level the scores in the 8th minute after Nathan Hines conceded a penalty for joining a ruck from the side, however, the Azzuri's hero from last week, Mirco Bergamasco missed the penalty.
Against the run of play it was Italy who scored the first try of the game in the 11th minute through Andrea Masi, scorer of Italy's only try in their historic win against France last week. The Italian fullback took the pass from Gonzalo Canale and used his pace to spring past Nicki Walker and score the try. (Scotland 3-5 Italy) Bergamasco missed the conversion.
Despite the lead they had, Italy failed to take command of the game and coach Nick Mallett's frustration was evident when yet another of his side's lineouts was intercepted by the impressive Richie Gray.
Scotland's Simon Danielli came agonisingly close to scoring a try after 16 minutes but he found himself inches short of the tryline. Scotland did regain the lead shortly afterwards though when Chris Paterson scored his second penalty of the match. (Scotland 6-5 Italy) In the build up to the penalty the home side lost number 13 Joe Ansbro through injury and he was replaced by Nick De Luca.
The Azzuri regained the lead on the half hour mark through a Mirco Bergamasco penalty after Danielli failed to roll away from a tackle.
Scotland had the opportunity to get themselves back in front on the stroke of half time when Italy's Carlo Antonio Del Fava failed to release the ball after being tackled by Rory Lawson. However, the ever reliable Chris Paterson missed his first kick of this year's Six Nations campaign ensuring that the Scots would trail going into half time.
Half Time- Scotland 6-8 Italy
Second Half
The 46th minute saw Murrayfield witness something they hadn't seen since November 2009... a Scotland try. Sean Lamont's hard work saw the Scots gain great field position and after having a 5m scrum, the ball eventually found itself in the hands of Nathan Hines who offloaded to Nick De Luca who scored ran into the corner of the pitch to score the try. (Scotland 11-8 Italy) Chris Paterson missed his second consecutive kick, ensuring that his side's lead would remain a slender one.
Clearly spurred on by De Luca's earlier try, Scotland continued to attack in search of more points and their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute when Nicki Walker ran through the Italian defence and scored a try to give the Scots the breathing space they needed. (Scotland 16-8 Italy) Chris Paterson re-found his kicking boots to add the extra two points for Scotland. (Scotland 18-8 Italy)
Italy's fate was all but sealed in the 68th minute when Paterson kicked through the posts after John Barclay expertly turned the ball over for Scotland and they eventually earned themselves a penalty after Bergamasco was penalised for dangerous play after he was put under pressure by Simon Danielli. (Scotland 21-8 Italy)
Scotland's determination was summed up in the final minutes of the game when Italy's number 22 Luke McLean seemed almost certain to score a superb solo try, but the last ditch tackle of fullback Chris Paterson ensured that the Scots would keep a second half clean sheet and go on to win the match.
Full Time- Scotland 21-8 Italy
Andy Robinson will be hugely relieved that his side were finally able to win a match in this year's tournament, but after Italy's memorable win over France last week, coach Nick Mallett will have to go back to the tactics board if they are to impress in this summer's World Cup.
Man of the Match- Richie Gray (Scotland)
Scotland:
Tries: Nick De Luca (1), Nicki Walker (1)
Conversions: Chris Paterson (1)
Penalties: Chris Paterson (3)
Italy:
Tries: Andrea Masi (1)
Conversions: None
Penalties: Mirco Bergamasco (1)
