Scotland’s Six Nations campaign began in disappointing fashion with a scrappy 18–15 loss to Italy in rain-drenched Rome, where a fast Italian start proved decisive.
Italy surged to an early 12-point lead through well-taken tries before Scotland fought back to close the gap, but handling errors, set-piece struggles, and ill-discipline — including a late sin-binning — undermined their comeback hopes in difficult conditions.
Despite late pressure and a second-half try that brought Scotland within three points, Italy controlled the closing stages through solid fundamentals and composure, securing a deserved victory and leaving Scotland facing an uphill battle in the tournament.
