Italy produced a heroic final defensive stand to edge Scotland 18–15 in a rain-lashed Six Nations clash at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
With the clock already in the red, Scotland launched one last assault, hammering through 30 phases and advancing from halfway to Italy’s 22. But their charge ended in heartbreak when Max Williamson was held up over the line by Muhamed Hasa and Niccolò Cannone, sealing a famous Italian victory.
“Absolutely incredible,” Italy captain Michele Lamaro said of the decisive defensive set. “It just shows how much we care for each other, for this jersey and this country. The last set was absolutely outstanding.”
The win — only Italy’s 17th in Six Nations history and their ninth over Scotland — keeps them firmly on course to avoid the wooden spoon for a third straight year.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
If Scotland’s recent struggles have centered on late collapses, this time it was a sluggish start that proved costly.
Italy raced to a 12–0 lead inside 14 minutes in light rain that soon turned torrential. The slick conditions made handling treacherous, but it was Scotland’s defensive frailties that Italy punished early.
Juan Ignacio Brex grubbered cleverly into space for Louis Lynagh to gather and score. Minutes later, Tommaso Menoncello crossed untouched after slick handling from Alessandro Fusco and Lynagh exposed Scotland’s reshuffled back three.
Paolo Garbisi added a conversion as Scotland, missing all three of their usual back-three starters, struggled to settle.
Scotland’s lineout malfunctioned badly in the opening quarter, twice being stolen inside Italy’s 22. A third opportunity also went begging before a quick tap allowed Jack Dempsey to crash over and finally put the visitors on the board.
Garbisi extended the lead to 15–7 with a penalty before halftime, though he squandered two drop-goal attempts as the rain intensified and Italy’s scrum asserted dominance.
Discipline and Decisions Costly
Scotland briefly rallied after the break, with Finn Russell narrowing the margin via penalty despite continued lineout woes.
But ill-discipline undermined their comeback. A high tackle from Ewan Ashman gifted Garbisi three points, and replacement hooker George Turner was sin-binned for reckless ruck contact moments after entering the fray.
Italy, however, failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Once Scotland returned to 15 men, they struck.
Turning down a kick at goal, Scotland opted for the corner and executed cleanly. The maul wheeled blind before George Horne darted over in the right corner. Russell’s difficult conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving Italy clinging to a three-point lead with 12 minutes remaining.
A late Italian lineout miscue in the 78th minute handed Scotland one final opportunity. Phase after phase followed in the driving rain — 30 in total — but Italy’s desperate, defiant defense held firm.
What’s Next
Scotland will look to regroup ahead of hosting England next weekend, while Italy travel to face Ireland buoyed by a gritty and hard-earned victory in Rome.
English