Italrugby, Louis Lynagh’s strategy for holding its own against Scotland

Two years ago Louis Lynagh made his debut in one of the most important matches in recent Italrugby history, which overcame Scotland 31-29 in a packed Olimpico. Two years later Italy and Scotland are there again, in Rome, in a sold-out stadium. A lot has happened in between, but the Azzurri are ready to play another big game on their debut in the 2026 Six Nations. The Benetton and Italy winger recalled that memorable day, but also analyzed how the two teams will arrive at the match on Saturday, February 7.

Martino Davidi

“I remember the Olympic Stadium full, as it will be this year – Lynagh recalled to Federugby -, against a really strong Scotland that was playing for the Six Nations. It was a particular match for me, the excitement of the first cap, the victory, I don’t remember so much of those 80 minutes: instead, I remember very well the feeling I had in the locker room after the victory, really incredible, hard to describe. It was a great feeling and I hope to be able to experience it again on Saturday. And then to come back and win at home after 9 years, in that atmosphere and in that stadium was a unique feeling.”

“I don’t think much has changed – added Lynagh referring to the gap between Scotland and Italy, now as then -We remain two very similar teams, although maybe we express our game in different forms, but we both want to attack the spaces and we have a very physical and combative scrum pack and talented and fast three-quarters. Obviously they have Finn Russell who is phenomenal, and then there are Tuipulotu and Kinghorn-they have so many dangerous players, we have to be aware of that and adjust accordingly. However, we are also very strong and dangerous in the back: Nacho Brex and Tommy Menoncello form a great pair of centers, and then we have Monty Ioane who is very strong. It is important to get quality fast balls to them to make us dangerous in attack.”

Lynagh finally suggested some strategies for his Italy to hold their own against the always feared Scotland: “We have to stop Finn Russell from playing his game, put pressure on him, take options away from him. Russell is the core of their game, if we take him away from them we will take away an important element of the Scottish attack. At the same time, however, we must not only focus on him, but we must be ready on every initiative of their players.”

“When we have the ball, as mentioned, we have to be able to create quick actions, with work in the breakdown that allows us to have quality possessions. At the same time, however, we must also have effective footwork that allows us to have other options at times when we fail to advance: certainly the aerial game will be crucial in this regard,” Lynagh concluded.