Italy’s national team, historically known as the consistent Wooden Spoon holder in the Six Nations tournament since their inception in 2000, displayed today their potential to break away from that reputation. Their 31-29 victory against Scotland (with 3 tries to Scotland’s 4) not only marked a significant win but also hinted at their capability to compete. This victory comes amidst notable performances earlier this year, like their narrow 24-27 loss to England in the opening match and their 13-13 draw against France in the third round. In the latter, an almost successful penalty kick by Garbisi was thwarted by French players who prematurely attempted to block it, leaving Italy just shy of victory.
Italy: (16) 31
Tries: Brex, Lynagh, Varney Pens: Garbisi 3, Page-Relo Cons: Garbisi 2
Scotland: (22) 29
Tries: Z Fagerson, Steyn, Schoeman, Skinner Pens: Russell Cons: Russell
Ange Capuozzo, Louis Lynagh, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Montanna Ioane
Paolo Garbisi, Martin Page-ReloDanilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Simone Ferrari, Niccolo Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro (captain), Ross Vintcent
Replacements: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo, Giosue Zilocchi, Andrea Zambonin, Lorenzo Cannone, Stephen Varney, Leonardo Marin, Federico Mori
Blair Kinghorn, Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Cameron Redpath, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell (co-captain), George Horne; Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Scott Cummings, Andy Christie, Rory Darge (co-captain), Jack Dempsey
Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Alec Hepburn, Elliot Millar-Mills, Sam Skinner, Jamie Ritchie, Matt Fagerson, Ali Price, Kyle Rowe