Italy dealt a significant blow to Scotland's Six Nations campaign, crushing them 18-15 in the rain-soaked streets of Rome. The Italian side, playing without several key players, proved more than a match for the Scots, who struggled to find their footing from the off.
Italy stormed into a 12-point lead within the first quarter of an hour, with Louis Lynagh scoring the opener and Tommaso Menoncello adding to the tally soon after. The Scottish defence was exposed once again as Jamie Dobie was beaten for speed, allowing Menoncello to slither in for his second try.
Scotland managed to reduce the deficit thanks to a powerful finish from Jack Dempsey, but Italy kept their nose ahead with two successful penalties from Paolo Garbisi, who also missed an early drop-goal attempt.
The game took on a surreal quality as the rain intensified, with players often struggling to grip the ball. Scotland made numerous errors, while Italy's set-piece dominated proceedings and they were able to capitalise on Scotland's mistakes.
Just when it seemed that Scotland might mount a late comeback, George Horne was unable to add the extras for his side's only successful try of the match, leaving Italy in charge.
Gregor Townsend's side will face an uphill battle if they are to salvage their Six Nations campaign after this demoralising defeat. Next up is a trip to England at Murrayfield, where another loss could be devastating for Scotland's chances of making it out of the tournament with any credit.
Meanwhile, Italy have secured their first opening weekend win since 2013 and can look forward to a welcome boost in confidence ahead of their next outing against Ireland.
Italy stormed into a 12-point lead within the first quarter of an hour, with Louis Lynagh scoring the opener and Tommaso Menoncello adding to the tally soon after. The Scottish defence was exposed once again as Jamie Dobie was beaten for speed, allowing Menoncello to slither in for his second try.
Scotland managed to reduce the deficit thanks to a powerful finish from Jack Dempsey, but Italy kept their nose ahead with two successful penalties from Paolo Garbisi, who also missed an early drop-goal attempt.
The game took on a surreal quality as the rain intensified, with players often struggling to grip the ball. Scotland made numerous errors, while Italy's set-piece dominated proceedings and they were able to capitalise on Scotland's mistakes.
Just when it seemed that Scotland might mount a late comeback, George Horne was unable to add the extras for his side's only successful try of the match, leaving Italy in charge.
Gregor Townsend's side will face an uphill battle if they are to salvage their Six Nations campaign after this demoralising defeat. Next up is a trip to England at Murrayfield, where another loss could be devastating for Scotland's chances of making it out of the tournament with any credit.
Meanwhile, Italy have secured their first opening weekend win since 2013 and can look forward to a welcome boost in confidence ahead of their next outing against Ireland.
! Italy totally deserved that win 
, they were so organized on defense and their set pieces were 
. Scotland just couldn't get out of 2nd gear all game 
. And poor Gregor Townsend, gotta feel for the guy 
, he'll have to come up with a new strategy for Murrayfield or it's gonna be a long road back 
.
what a player! 2 successful penalties and that drop goal attempt was SO close 
. Italy's squad depth is looking pretty strong right now 
.
next week or it's gonna be a long season 
.
scotland was so unorganized on defense, they cant seem to catch a break. italian team played like champs tho 
they got the job done with some key players out, that's gotta be tough. scotty fans are gonna be up all night re-watching this match and wondering what went wrong 
also, italian rugby is on fire! 
Meanwhile Italy's set pieces were dominating the entire game and they capitalized on every little mistake Scotland made 
The guy is a genius on the pitch and his penalties were clutch, especially when they really mattered 
I'm all for Scotland mounting a comeback in their next game but first let's see them get their act together 
but to lose like that in such a crucial match? that's just heartbreaking 
. And that rain? Forget about it, it was like a obstacle course out there for Scotland to navigate 
. I'm not sure what Gregor Townsend did differently this time around, but it's clear Italy have the edge right now 
! Gregor Townsend's got some 'splainin' to do after this one... poor lads are gonna need a big boost of confidence for the next match 
Murrayfield better watch out for Italy now 
. I don't get why they have so many rules about kicking the ball, it's like they're trying to make it as hard as possible for the teams to score points 
. But hey, at least Italy won, right? That's gotta be a good feeling for their fans 
. Now I'm just gonna watch the next match and see if Scotland can turn it around 
.
. I think a win against Ireland next will just put them up there as a real contender. It'll be interesting to see how this whole tournament unfolds! 
Now it feels like they're getting beat up left and right. And what's with the rain?! It's like the whole game was just a soggy mess 
οΈ. I mean, even the Italian fans were probably thinking 'this is crazy' 
.
The Scots are really struggling with this Six Nations thing right now 
I mean, Paolo Garbisi is like a genius or something 
how did he even make those penalties? 
hope they can turn it around 
That try of his was insane!