Italy bounce back to grab first Six Nations home win in 11 years
ITALY claimed a dramatic Six Nations home win for the first time in 11 years in a pulsating clash with Scotland in Rome.
The win that Italy had been threatening against England and France last month finally came to fruition, but the Azzurri had to do it the hard way, coming from 22-10 behind shortly before half-time.
The Italians fell over themselves in celebration as a full house of 69,689 fans erupted at the finish.
For Scotland, this campaign has unravelled in calamitous fashion. Gregor Townsend’s side looked to be on their way to victory in the first half following tries from props Zander Fagerson and Pierre Schoeman either side of a score from Kyle Steyn.
But the Scots completely lost their way. And this chastening defeat is sure to crank up the heat on head coach Townsend five months after exiting the World Cup in the group stage.
Asked if his position is now under threat, Townsend said: ‘I’m not going to answer that question. We’re disappointed with the result today, but we know this team have come on since the World Cup. We can look at this result and be really disappointed, but I’ve been really proud of how this team’s played during the championship so far.
‘It hurts a lot. Any time you lose, it’s really disappointing. But it’s all part of sport. We’ll get over it. We know we need to play much better next week because we’re playing the best team in the world away.’
For the home side, it was pure delight as they prepared for a night of celebrations. ‘We gave everything and I couldn’t be prouder,’ captain Michele Lamaro said. ‘I believe 100 per cent this team can play games like this. We proved it (against France). We still have to improve a lot, but to bring back a win in Rome is unbelievable.’
Italy were on the scoreboard early on with a penalty from Paolo Garbisi but Scotland got themselves in front when Fagerson powered his way over from close range. The visitors crossed the whitewash again five minutes later when they worked the ball out to the right and Blair Kinghorn fed Steyn, who bundled his way past two Italians to cross the line.
The Azzurri summoned a swift response as scrum-half Martin Page-Relo lobbed a clever kick over the top and centre Juan Ignacio Brex ran gleefully over.
Scotland scored their third try of the match as Schoeman finished things off after being fed by George Turner in a driving maul.
Italy completed the first half strongly and reduced their deficit to 22-16 with a couple of penalties kicked by Garbisi and Page-Relo.
Scotland thought they had extended their advantage two minutes into the second period when scrum-half George Horne bolted over but it was chalked off after Schoeman was adjudged to have committed a foul in the build-up. Two minutes later, Italy closed to within a point when debutant Louis Lynagh — son of former Australia star Michael — darted over the line. The Italians then got themselves in front as replacement scrum-half Stephen Varney found a gap between Andy Christie and Jack Dempsey to nudge his way over. Garbisi scored a huge penalty from distance to put the hosts nine points ahead. But Sam Skinner pushed over with two minutes left and Russell converted to bring the Scots back to within two points and set up a tense finish.
Townsend’s team were unable to find another score, however and the Scotland players slumped to their knees in abject despair as a campaign that promised so much was reduced to rubble.