Italy gets off to a great start in Six Nations, Scotland knocked out

Italy starts the 2026 Six Nations with a victory of character beating Scotland 18-15 at the Olympic Stadium and repeating the success achieved in Rome two years ago. The Azzurri started with great defensive focus: Lamaro stole a crucial lineout and on 7′ a turnover by Lorenzo Cannone launched the first offensive action. From the lineout won by Zambonin comes the action of the first goal, signed by Lynagh, triggered by a precise kick by Brex. Garbisi hits the post on the conversion, but Italy is ahead 5-0.

Scotland tries to respond with the scrum and goes into the Azzurri 22 several times but the defense holds. Soon after, Italy strikes again: a high kick by Fusco is caught by Lynagh, who starts the action ended by Menoncello for the 12-0 goal, with Garbisi converting this time. Townsend’s men took advantage of a few errors in discipline and shortened the score with Dempsey before halftime, but a Garbisi spot-kick sent the teams to rest 15-7 under a cloudburst.

The team’s goal was taken by the Italian team.

In the second half Italy immediately had another great chance with Menoncello, but lost possession. Scotland took advantage and with Russell went back under break (15-10). However, a high tackle on Zuliani gives another three points to the Azzurri: Garbisi is accurate and signs the 18-10. As the weather conditions worsen, the game becomes increasingly tactical, consisting of kicking and battles in the midfield. In the 67th minute Horne finds the goal that reopens the match (18-15), but Russell misses the conversion.

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The finale is tense: Scotland pushes to the last but Italy defends with order and sacrifice, repelling the decisive assault after more than 20 phases. It ends 18-15, a precious victory that confirms growth and solidity of the Azzurri on their tournament debut.