Italy hold firm in rain-soaked Rome to stun Scotland in Six Nations opener

Italy ignited their Guinness Six Nations 2026 campaign with a hard-fought and richly deserved 18-15 victory over Scotland in rain-lashed Rome, condemning Gregor Townsend’s side to a dispiriting opening defeat.

In torrential conditions that turned the Stadio Olimpico into a test of discipline and set-piece resolve, the Azzurri made the most of a blistering start and held their nerve to secure a famous home win.

Lightning Italian Start Shocks Scotland

Just as they had done twelve months earlier, Italy struck early — but this time they built a commanding cushion rather than allowing it to slip. From their very first attack, the hosts carved Scotland open as Juan Ignacio Brex chipped delicately through the defensive line, allowing Louis Lynagh to slide over in the corner for a dream opening try.

Scotland’s backfield issues were exposed again moments later. Jamie Dobie was beaten in the air, and Tommaso Menoncello showed both pace and composure to race down the left flank and score Italy’s second try inside the opening quarter. Paolo Garbisi’s conversion pushed the hosts into a commanding 12-0 lead.

Dempsey Responds but Italy Control the Half

With the rain intensifying, Scotland finally found some momentum through their forwards. Jack Dempsey powered over from close range to reduce the deficit, giving the visitors a foothold in the contest.

However, Italy continued to do the basics better. After an astonishing missed drop-goal attempt from directly in front of the posts, Garbisi calmly slotted a penalty to restore an eight-point advantage at the interval. Despite the worsening conditions, Italy went into the break with a deserved 15-7 lead.

Errors Mount as Conditions Worsen

The second half descended into a war of attrition. Players struggled to stay on their feet, handling errors multiplied, and both sides found it difficult to generate any sustained rhythm. Finn Russell and Garbisi exchanged penalties as Scotland attempted to claw their way back into contention.

Scotland’s problems deepened when replacement hooker George Turner was sent to the sin bin for a rash clear-out, handing Italy further territorial control. The Azzurri’s scrum dominance and superior discipline continued to frustrate the visitors.

Late Scotland Rally Falls Short

Out of nowhere, Scotland reignited the contest when replacement scrum-half George Horne slid acrobatically into the corner in the final quarter. Russell, battling the elements, was unable to convert, leaving Italy clinging to a narrow three-point lead.

Despite sustained late pressure, Scotland could not find the decisive score. Italy managed the closing stages expertly, playing the percentages and seeing out the final minutes to seal a memorable opening weekend victory.

Italy Lay Down a Marker

It was Italy’s first opening-round Six Nations win since 2013 and all the more impressive given the number of absentees. Missing key figures including Ange Capuozzo, Sebastian Negri and Tommaso Allan, the Azzurri still dominated the scrum battle and won most individual contests.

Lynagh was a constant menace in the first half, while Menoncello once again showcased his blend of power, guile and composure. Italy now head to Dublin buoyed by belief, while Scotland face mounting pressure ahead of a pivotal Valentine’s Day clash with England at Murrayfield.

Line-ups

ITALY

15-Marin; 14-Lynagh, 13-Brex, 12-Menoncello, 11-Ioane; 10-P. Garbisi, 9-Fusco; 1-Fischetti, 2-Nicotera, 3-Ferrari, 4-A. Cannone, 5-Zambonin, 6-Lamaro (capt), 7-Zuliani, 8-L. Cannone.

Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, A. Garbisi, Da Re, Pani.

SCOTLAND

15-Jordan; 14-Steyn, 13-Jones, 12-Tuipulotu, 11-Dobie; 10-Russell, 9-White; 1-Schoeman, 2-Ashman, 3-Z. Fagerson, 4-Cummings, 5-Gilchrist, 6-M. Fagerson, 7-Darge, 8-Dempsey.

Replacements: Turner, McBeth, Millar-Mills, Williamson, Brown, Horne, Hastings, Graham.

Stats

ITALY (15) 18

Tries: Lynagh, Menoncello

Conversions: Garbisi

Penalties: Garbisi (2)

SCOTLAND (7) 15

Tries: Dempsey, Horne

Conversions: Russell

Penalties: Russell

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)

Man of the match: Simone Ferrari (Italy)

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