Italy vs Scotland LIVE: Six Nations 2022 result and final score as Scotland cruise to victory in Rome

Six Nations 2022 live updates from the Stadio Olimpico as Italy host Scotland in round four with both teams desperate to start making amends in a championship that has gone awry for them.

Scotland’s tournament got off to a promising start when they beat England in round 1 to win back-to-back Calcutta Cup matches for the first time since 1984 but a narrow defeat to an average Wales and a heavier one to a rampaging France have squandered any momentum and left them scrapping to salvage anything from this year’s championship.

A game against Italy, whose torturous wait for a first Six Nations victory since 2015 rumbles on, could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Gregor Townsend’s men as they look to add to the Azzurri’s woe after their seemingly inevitable heavy defeats to France and England in the opening two rounds were followed by a tough loss in Dublin, where a niche World Rugby law reduced them to 13 players en route to a 57-6 beating.

Italy have found more success against Scotland than they have against any other country since joining the Six Nations in 2000 - enjoying seven wins - but victory here in Rome would rank as one of their most surprising of all.

Follow below for live updates from Italy vs Scotland in the Six Nations below:

Six Nations 2022 - Italy vs Scotland

• FULL-TIME! Scotland cruise to a 33-22 victory over Italy in Rome

• 61’ - TRY! Stuart Hogg runs in try number five (10-33)

• 49’ - TRY! Darcy Graham shows his acceleration to dart over for the bonus-point try. (10-26)

• 36’ - TRY! Harris crashes over for his second try to extend Scotland lead. (10-19)

• 30’ - TRY! Callum Braley narrows Azzurri deficit after brilliant offload. (10-12)

• 22’ - TRY! After Sam Johnson gets early try, Chris Harris grabs their second. (3-12)

F/T: Italy 22-33 Scotland

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A thoroughly enjoyable game, that, very different to last night’s defensive battle in Cardiff but no less engrossing. Italy showed a load of character and arguably deserved at least a point. It’s tough to know how to assess the Scotland performance. Gregor Townsend’s side relied on scraps more than they might have thought they were going to before kick-off, but a bonus point win should boost the confidence a bit ahead of a final weekend trip to Dublin.

FULL TIME! ITALY 22-33 SCOTLAND

16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TRY! Italy 22-33 Scotland (Ange Capuozzo try, 83 minutes)

16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A second for Ange Capuozzo! A dream debut for the youngster, who again shows why there is such excitement about his potential, shimmying away from a tackler and brushing aside another to score on the right.

Paolo Garbisi can’t convert, but that is an encouraging performance from Italy.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 81 minutes

16:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Monty Ioane! A Scottish defender is planted into the floor by a fearsome fend. Italy building and building and into the Scotland 22.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 80 minutes

16:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Toa Halafihi has been outstanding all afternoon for Italy, carrying with tireless energy and plenty of punch. He makes a dent in the Scottish line and his teammates are lifted by the number eight, with Italy putting speed on the ball.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 79 minutes

16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A last chance for Italy to further bloody Scottish noses, but after more merry metres made down the left, a chip falls into Scottish hands.

An opportunity for a sixth? Nope. A pass behind Kyle Steyn ends up in touch as the clock tick, tick, ticks towards the red.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 78 minutes

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It all comes unstuck as Stuart Hogg tries to find Kyle Steyn on the inside with the sort of pass that Finn Russell produced to set Darcy Graham free earlier.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 77 minutes

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another half-chance for Italy. They make a mess of a Scotland lineout and make rapid progress down the left, with Monty Ioane toeing on and nearly fly-hacking further still. Somehow the ball eventually bounces favourably for Hamish Watson, and Scotland counter-attack with interest.

Ben Vellacott is a real livewire and nearly unlocks Italy with his first snipe, offloading to a teammate, and Watson then injects more tempo with a typically bustling carry through the middle.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 75 minutes

15:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The latest Scotland attack is launched from a quick tap, but hopes of creating a line-break are ended by some staunch Italian defence, and eventually Scotland kick into the 22 via the left peg of Ali Price.

That’ll be that for the scrum-half’s 50th appearance as Gregor Townsend makes a raft of changes: Ben Vellacott is on for a debut in the place of Price; Adam Hastings’ first appearance of the tournament comes in Finn Russell’s stead; Jamie Hodgson is on in the second row; and finally Sione Tuipulotu has come on in midfield.

Maro Itoje fit to start for England

15:57 , Luke Baker

Big news ahead of the crunch England v Ireland clash that follows Italy v Scotland. Talismanic England lock Maro Itoje has been passed fit to start at Twickenham.

Itoje was taken ill overnight on Thursday and his place in the starting XV was in doubt but England have now officially declared him fit to play from the off.

That’s a massive boost for- the Red Rose ahead of a must-win contest to take their Six Nations title hopes into the final round against France next weekend.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 74 minutes

15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Forced into touch! Italy play wide, but run out of room. Kyle Steyn and Stuart Hogg combine to marshal the wider confines.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 73 minutes

15:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bigi hits his man on this occasion, and an Italy maul is collapsed with five metres. Nothing more than a penalty for referee Luke Pearce, and Bigi, suddenly at the centre of everything, will tap and go...

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 72 minutes

15:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stolen by Scotland! Luca Bigi tries to hit his tail jumper but Sam Skinner slaps the ball back Scotland’s way.

Bigi will get another go from two metres further out - Darcy Graham is smothered into touch as he tries a Houdini act from the corner.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 71 minutes

15:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy draw a penalty from Scotland and kick for the corner. Braam Steyn is sent on in the back row for Giovanni Pettinelli before the lineout.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 70 minutes

15:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More cavorts for Ange Capuozzo, who really does have some fierce feet. Italy then kick across field and Monty Ioane somehow keeps his balance on the touchline, and Italy will play inside the Scotland half.

Italy 17-33 Scotland, 69 minutes

15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Still no debut for Ben Vellacott, by the way, with Ali Price out there and orchestrating the Scotland attack, which fails to make too much in the way of progress.

TRY! ITALY 17-33 Scotland (Ange Capuozzo try, 67 minutes)

15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A try on debut for Ange Capuozzo! Italy spread the ball, Ignacio Brex flinging wide to Edoardo Padovani, who drops it off to Capuozzo. There’s a load for the little replacement full-back to do, but with jinking feet and core strength he manages to first sidestep Stuart Hogg and then squeeze through Allan Dell to produce a proud moment on his first Italy cap.

Paolo Garbisi converts.

Italy 10-33 Scotland, 65 minutes

15:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy prod into the corner and the maul is formed quickly, but Scotland shove through it and force a change of approach. Italy’s forwards have carried firmly all afternoon, and there might be a chance for someone lighter out wide...

Italy 10-33 Scotland, 64 minutes

15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy have perhaps begun to fade but their first attacking movements post-score are pretty enough, using the width well. Toa Halafihi twice carries strongly, on the second occasion particularly so as Kyle Steyn is left on his back.

To the left, and space in behind...not quite! Monty Ioane can’t pick the ball up after a horrible bounce of the ball! He was in, you know...

Scotland were offside, so it will be an Italy penalty, but that’s a shame for Ioane.

TRY! Italy 10-33 SCOTLAND (Stuart Hogg try, 61 minutes)

15:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another delight from Scotland! Italy kick long and Ali Price is allowed to wander hither and thither without a chasing player within yards of him, picking his moment to sprint into one of many gaps that appear.

He produces a very, very flat pass to Stuart Hogg, who rights the wrongs of Murrayfield two weeks ago by taking the pass with line agape and going over for Scotland’s fifth try.

Toa Halafihi protests that Price’s pass was forward, but the officials are happy, and Finn Russell’s conversion further extends Scotland’s lead.

Italy 10-26 Scotland, 60 minutes

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The clock ticks towards an hour as Scotland try to maul, with replacement hooker Stuart McInally rushing to the back of it. Well handled by Italy, who then collect a rather aimless grubber.

Team News from Twickenham

15:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A brief interlude for a change of shirt allows us to update you on the team news from Twickenham - Maro Itoje is well enough to play after suffering from an illness, so there are no changes to the teams named on Thursday.

Italy 10-26 Scotland, 58 minutes

15:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alessandro Fusco chances a caper with little in the way of support after gathering in his own 22. It proves a foolish idea - Scotland grab his ankles and then the ball, with Fusco clinging on for dear life on the floor. Scotland enter Italy’s 22 with the penalty.

Missed penalty! Italy 10-26 Scotland, 57 minutes

15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But just as earlier from a not dissimilar spot on the right, 45 metres out, Garbisi pushes an effort short of puff short and left of the uprights.

Italy 10-26 Scotland, 55 minutes

15:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bosh! Not a nice moment for Paolo Garbisi, who lifts an up-and-under over the hands of Pierre Schoeman, who then keeps running and has a head-on collision with his much smaller Italian opponent. Schoeman protests the penalty awarded by Luke Pearce, but a fair enough call - Schoeman never made an attempt to avoid the contact.

As the penalty is awarded where the ball landed, this will be kickable for Garbisi...

Italy 10-26 Scotland, 54 minutes

15:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Watson is fit to continue, so Bradbury will put his bib back on.

Scotland kick first phase ball, and Ange Capuozzo shows his nerves early into his international career as he makes a hash of a diving attempt to catch having been disconnected with his backfield teammate.

Italy clear for touch, but Scotland play quickly, and there’s a sniff of a chance on the left as a pass floats to Matt Fagerson...

Only for the number eight to get over-excited by the scent of opportunity and shell the pass.

Italy 10-26 Scotland, 53 minutes

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The two sides trade errors and the latest passage ends with Scotland to feed a lineout on the left. Solid defence from Kyle Steyn to force it.

Hamish Watson has taken a blow and is receiving treatment, with Magnus Bradbury readied.

Italy 10-26 Scotland, 51 minutes

15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy’s game management has been relatively good today, with Ignacio Brex the latest to grubber a ball on the diagonal to make advancements down the touchlines. Scotland clear with limited fuss.

That is cue for some Italian changes: Luca Bigi, Tiziano Pasquali, Ivan Nemer and Alessandro Fusco are on for Giacomo Nicotera, Pietro Ceccarelli, Danilo Fischetti and Callum Braley.

TRY! Italy 10-26 SCOTLAND (Darcy Graham try, 49 minutes)

15:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wonderfully taken and that is the bonus point try! Italy never managed to stall Scotland, and with Finn Russell’s fingerprints all over the movement, that spells danger. A jump to the left, a skip to the right and then a sharp pass to Darcy Graham, arriving with expert timing to the inside to rifle through a gap, evading the full-back and scoring Scotland’s fourth.

Russell adds the extra two from the tee.

Italy 10-19 Scotland, 47 minutes

15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Hogg is beginning to buzz, jinking between defenders and exchanging passes with Chris Harris as Scotland begin to play more extravagantly. Space threatens to appear on the left as Finn Russell changes the point of attack and offloads to Sam Skinner.

Italy 10-19 Scotland, 45 minutes

15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A debut for Ange Capuozzo, the young Grenoble back three player. He’s a youngster that has plenty of people excited in Italy and France - he’s quick, clever and solid under the high ball. He’ll take the place of Pierre Bruno.

Scotland waste their chance to build something from the lineout as they knock on in the air.

Italy 10-19 Scotland, 44 minutes

15:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland knock on in contact, allowing Italy to look up and produce a clever kick to turn the Scottish defence that is still forming after the turnover.

Stuart Hogg bursts away from the chasers and there are thoughts of another breakaway score as he offloads, but his flick flies away from Scottish hands via Italian intervention.

Italy then infringe on halfway. George Turner over the ball and forcing the holding on penalty.

Italy 10-19 Scotland, 43 minutes

15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The next Italian kick is flatter and directed for the touchline, but lands just the wrong side of the white paint. Out on the full.

Italy 10-19 Scotland, 42 minutes

15:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Zander Fagerson gets called for a technical infringement at the lineout, and is free kicked, and Italy go to the air - the high ball falls safely into Scottish hands, as it has done for most of today.

Italy 10-19 Scotland, 41 minutes

15:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ignacio Brex has re-emerged with the Italian team, so Marco Zanon will have to retake his seat on the bench after temporarily replacing the outside centre.

Second half

15:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, both sets of players are out in the Italian sunshine once more, and Stuart Hogg is ready to kick-off. Can Italy produce a comeback?

But this was also rather nice from Italy

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

H/T: Italy 10-19 Scotland

15:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty to like about the Italian performance but Kieran Crowley’s side trail at half-time, and Scotland will be confident that things will continue to open up after the interval. The visitors have been opportunistic but produced some lovely stuff - here’s Chris Harris’ first score:

HALF TIME: ITALY 10-19 SCOTLAND

15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy 10-19 Scotland, 39 minutes

15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It hasn’t been an outstanding half for Scotland but they will be pleased to be within sight of the bonus point without dominating the territorial battle.

The final skirmishes of the half are all a little bit scrappy, and Ali Price is content to send everyone down the tunnel after Scotland see out the last 30 seconds or so with the ball.

TRY! Italy 10-19 SCOTLAND (Chris Harris, 37 minutes)

14:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A second for Chris Harris! A simple enough move executed well by Scotland, Finn Russell passing out the back to Stuart Hogg with Sam Johnson’s dummy line tying up the defence, and then Harris hits a smart angle from depth to scythe between Italian bodies and over the line, preying on new man Zanon, who is more typically a 12 and gets his positioning slightly wrong.

Finn Russell converts.

Italy 10-12 Scotland, 36 minutes

14:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A midfield scrum for Scotland, five metres out, and Italy are deemed to have collapsed it. Scotland will reload and go again with the ideal set-piece platform.

Italy 10-12 Scotland, 35 minutes

14:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Quick tap! Surreptitious from Finn Russell, directing his teammates behind him as he lines up the corner and then tapping and turning towards his forwards as Italy’s assemble for the lineout they believe is about to come.

Pierre Schoeman carries strongly, and Luke Pearce whistles to halt play after Ignacio Brex collapses backwards after an apparent blow to the head. He will have to go off, and a good call from Pearce, with Scotland about to attack the space left by the centre, who was lying nearby on the floor.

Marco Zanon will take the place of Brex, who is not happy.

Italy 10-12 Scotland, 34 minutes

14:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rory Darge explodes out of a tackle and suddenly Scotland are playing with momentum. Finn Russell fizzes a whipped pass to Sam Johnson, who charges into the 22, and George Turner’s midfield angle creates a canyon through which Ali Price then darts.

Price is dragged down five metres out and Italy go off their feet. Penalty Scotland.

Italy 10-12 Scotland, 33 minutes

14:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More clever kicking from Italy, who have clearly spotted some spaces in Steve Tandy’s defence they think they can exploit. Again it is a cross-kick, this time from Paolo Garbisi, and it lands in open space ahead of Monty Ioane with the Scottish backfield someway from getting to it on the full.

The bounce is unkind, and it will be a Scotland lineout, but this is canny stuff.

TRY! ITALY 10-12 Scotland (Callum Braley try, 30 minutes)

14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

They have! A beaut from the Italians, attacking the blindside with Callum Braley looping and getting to the last defender. He passes to Pierre Bruno, who out-kicks Kyle Steyn and then squares up Stuart Hogg, biffing him back with a bump.

Hogg drives him for the touchline but Bruno’s footwork is fancy, dancing along the tightrope and ensuring his boots remain unchalked as he offloads back to Braley, who completes the job. An excellent conversion from Paolo Garbisi and Italy have just reward for a good opening half-an-hour.

TRY? Have Italy produced a fine score of their own?

14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy 3-12 Scotland, 28 minutes

14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Secure exit from Scotland, Ali Price’s box kick with good distance and the chase strong. Edoardo Padovani chips for himself, and uses an outstetched arm to claw the ball back, but is then held up by the Scottish bodies that engulf him. It will be Italian scrum feed, though, as it came from a kick.

Italy 3-12 Scotland, 27 minutes

14:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy are still managing to win more midfield collisions than they are losing, and Paolo Garbisi is pulling the strings well. He drops the ball on to his toe again, lifting a more jaunty kick over the Scottish defence, and very nearly snaring it off the floor as Scotland try to gather.

It’s soon back at the feet f the Italian fly-half after another Danilo Fischetti steal, and he puts Scotland deep into their own territory with a stabbed kick.

Missed penalty! Italy 3-12 Scotland, 26 minutes

14:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pushed to the left. Garbisi’s kick threatens to curl back but was never quite on the right line, and might have ended up short, too.

Italy 3-12 Scotland, 24 minutes

14:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two chances for Scotland, two strikes, and having barely clunked out of the starting blocks their lead is swelling. But this will give Italy a chance to answer as the visitors concede a penalty on the left. Paolo Garbisi will go for goal...

TRY! Italy 3-12 SCOTLAND (Chris Harris try, 22 minutes)

14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Scotland go the length of the field to strike! Callum Braley is this time the guilty passing party, opposite number Ali Price cleverly darting out of the line to snatch Braley’s pass.

Price beats a couple and then puts teammates into space. Kyle Steyn threatens to put his foot down and go for the corner but recognises space infield, chipping in-field, and Chris Harris is there to score after a saunter beneath the posts.

Italy 3-5 Scotland, 21 minutes

14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What is he doing? That’s really curious from Finn Russell, throwing a hopeful, hopeless pass that is plucked out of the air by Toa Halafihi.

Italy advance into the Scotland 22, and Monty Ioane wrestles to within five metres. But Scotland intercept a pass...

Italy 3-5 Scotland, 20 minutes

14:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

You feel Scotland, and perhaps the game, rather needed that. Italy continue to be efficient with their midfield phase play and Paolo Garbisi weights another kick nicely but Monty Ioane’s left palm knocks on. Scotland kick the scrum advantage away.

TRY! Italy 3-5 SCOTLAND (Sam Johnson try, 18 minutes)

14:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now it has! That’s brilliant from George Turner! Darcy Graham jinks inside and offloads to the hooker, filling the wing space. He brushes off Callum Braley and out-kicks Manuel Zuliani, advancing into the Italy 22. Ali Price just about holds on to the ball as he is tackled, and there are numbers aplenty to the left.

A long, loopy pass threatens to float into space, but Sam Johnson’s outstretched limbs retrieve it, and the centre has only open space in front of him as he trots over from fifteen metres or so out.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 16 minutes

14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This game hasn’t quite come to life. Italy claim a mark from a long Scotland kick. Leonardo Marin will be the latest Italian player to get some facial attention after taking a blow to the face.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 15 minutes

14:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chris Harris gets to the outside shoulder of his opposite and keeps his legs churning, making five metres, but the pictures aren’t quite appearing yet for Scotland against this solid Italian defensive structure. They kick the ball away, and then Italy make them play from deeper with a similar riposte.

Ali Price plays the percentages, prodding a nice kick to the touchline. Michele Lamaro wanders off to be patched up more certainly - his wound has re-opened.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 14 minutes

14:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both sides are going hard at the breakdown, and Scotland are rewarded! Italy advance to within five metres of the line towards the right corner. It looked like Matt Fagerson might have been stabilising himself on a player, and thus off his feet as he contests, but referee Luke Pearce is happy with the legality of his jackal.

Michele Lamaro’s face requires a quick patch-up, but he soon rejoins his charges for the Scotland lineout on halfway.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 13 minutes

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Better from the visitors. They front up well in defence and then pilfer ruck ball...

But Italy soon do likewise, and possession is theirs inside the Scotland 22.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 12 minutes

14:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, can Scotland get themselves into the game? Not with something like that. George Turner fires over the top to Sam Johnson in midfield but it’s all a little short of intensity thereafter, and Turner flies in at the side of a ruck to concede a penalty after a carrier inside him is left short of support.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 11 minutes

14:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Or not. Pierre Bruno is sent onwards off the blindside wing but rolls one time too many after he is tackled, and is pinged.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 9 minutes

14:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It doesn’t quite click for the Italy attack in the Scotland half so they go to the boot. It’s an adventurous one from Callum Braley that nearly works to the right wing, a pre-planned attempt to attack the wing with the long limbs of Giovani Pettinelli out there, but Scottish hands just about snare it.

Scotland then knock on. Good chance for Italy.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 8 minutes

14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy make a mess of a high ball, with Edoardo Padovani taking his eyes off it at the last moment, but they scramble well and prevent Scotland capitalising, winning a penalty. Danilo Fischetti over the ball - the loosehead is so, so good in that area.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 6 minutes

14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Strong stuff from Kyle Steyn on Six Nations debut. Pierre Bruno is no small man and goes mano-y-mano with a carry straight into the new Scotland wing, but Steyn stands him up and forces him into touch.

Italy 3-0 Scotland, 5 minutes

14:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Solid enough start from Italy, who have nailed their basics so far. Callum Braley has taken over at scrum-half for this game and has clearing duties after the restart, and his box kick falls upon the turf as four Scottish catchers leave it for each other.

Ali Price wanders away from the back of the lineout and then darts upfield, releasing a nifty pass at the line, but it goes forward from the scrum-half’s hands.

PENALTY! ITALY 3-0 Scotland (Paolo Garbisi penalty, 4 minutes)

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A good strike from the left boot of Paolo Garbisi from just right of centre, and through it sails. Italy on the board first, news that is welcomed by a roar from the Stadio Olimpico.

Italy 0-0 Scotland, 3 minutes

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steady start. Italy tonk a kick between Scotland’s two backfield defenders and Stuart Hogg is hapy enough to find a good touch on halfway from the safe confines of his 22.

Scotland are offside at the lineout, a basic error, and Italy may have first chance at points from on the ten-metre line. Yep, here comes the tee.

Italy 0-0 Scotland, 2 minutes

14:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

To the air, then, but Scotland have it well handled. Chris Harris is wrapped up by Toa Halafihi and brought decisively to floor.

Now Scotland will look upwards, but that’s rather shallow. Italy’s possession just inside their own half.

Italy 0-0 Scotland, 1 minute

14:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A strong first carry from Scotland and then a long punt to clear.

Italy run it back, and immediately cross halfway with a forthright kick return. A pass then goes awry, skimming the hands of Monty Ioane, who has to retreat and the momentum is lost.

KICK OFF!

14:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy against Scotland has begun.

Italy vs Scotland

14:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy in white, Scotland in navy blue, both looking resplendent in the March sunshine. Luke Pearce has a chinwag with Paolo Garbisi, who will kick the game off...

Match Officials

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just as in Cardiff last night, it is with English accents that the game will be officiated. Luke Pearce has the whistle; Stuart Terheege is the TMO. Ireland’s Andrew Brace and Wales’ Craig Evans will assist where needed.

Il Canto degli Italiani

14:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A typically proud rendition of the Italian national anthem, captain Michele Lamaro shutting his eyes as the opening strains play. His eyes are wide for the final crescendo, and his mouth, too, as he shouts his team into battle.

Here we go...

Flower of Scotland

14:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’ll be a kilt-cladded Scottish band to accompany the Scottish players in the singing of “Flower of Scotland”, bagpipers and percussionists tunefully bringing the anthem to life. Lots of Saltires waving.

Rugby against Racism and Solidarity with Ukraine

14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As before every game this weekend, we take a pause before the anthems to clap for Ukraine. A smattering of empty blue seats around the Stadio Olimpico, but a solid crowd for a Saturday afternoon, and all join in with the applause, a few fluttering blue and yellow flags and one well crafted heart in Ukrainian colours shown on screen.

Ali Price leads Scotland out

14:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

On cap number 50, Ali Price is given the honour of leading Scotland out of the Stadio Olimpico tunnel. Indeed, the rest of the two sides will come out en masse behind him.

A hearty cheer for Price as he makes his way up the steps. Stuart Hogg chews his gum as he leads the rest of the Scotland line out.

Italy vs Scotland

14:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kieran Crowley lies back in his chair, shorn of his blazer on a warm afternoon. Gregor Townsend has the quarter-zip jumper on, still. It sounds like Scottish fans have travelled in good number. It is a favourite trip for many, Rome in the spring.

15 minutes until kick-off

14:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy’s squad photo

13:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not too long now until things get going at the Stadio Olimpico, but Italy have already set the bar once this week with a picturesque setting for their squad photo. Phwoar!

(Though they’ll be hoping for rather more than Roman ruins this afternoon...)

The Cuttitta Cup

13:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Speaking of the set-piece, Massimo Cuttitta was a great lover of the dark scrummaging arts, who became known as one of the finest and most popular scrum coaches after retiring in 2006 after winning 69 caps for Italy. He spent a long time coaching in Scotland both with the national side and Edinburgh, and sadly passed away in April of last year aged 54.

Fittingly, the two sides to which he gave so much will now play for The Cuttitta Cup.

“When Massimo passed away, it was evident how highly regarded he was whether in Italy, Scotland or beyond, as a scrum technician but above all, as a selfless, warm and compassionate human being,” explained Scottish Rugby’s chief executive, Mark Dodson, this week.

“Massimo was a big man, who made a big impression on the people fortunate enough to meet him.

“We wanted there to be something tangible by which Massimo could be remembered and we were delighted to put forward a trophy in his honour.”

Pierre Schoeman expecting a stern test for Scotland

13:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rory Sutherland’s injury has allowed Pierre Schoeman a clear run at the starting loosehead shirt for Scotland for the rest of the tournament. He’s up against an old Edinburgh teammate today in the canny Pietro Ceccarelli - with the excellent Danilo Fischetti on the other side of the Italian front row, I reckon Scotland will be strongly tested at scrum-time.

Scotland prop Pierre Schoeman expecting stiff resistance from ‘passionate’ Italy

Beneath blue skies

13:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ali Price brings up 50

13:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland scrum-half Ali Price ready for ‘incredibly proud moment’ in Rome

A new hooker for Italy

13:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Welcome to international rugby, Giacomo Nicotera. The Benetton hooker developed well last season even without a full-time contract at the Italian club, splitting his time with the Treviso side and Rovigo in Italy’s Pro10, a competitive league that underpins the country’s two URC teams.

He gets the nod ahead of recalled former skipper Luca Bigi, who has dropped down the pecking order under Kieran Crowley after an injury. Scotland, at first glance, look short of a third line out jumper to put pressure on Italy, but we’ll see how the untested Nicotera goes.

Kyle Steyn gets a chance

13:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Duhan van der Merwe’s sending off for Worcester last week has proved rather divisive - there are some who suggested his fend was legal, while others felt a red was the only just call for what ended up an elbow to the face of Scotland squad-mate Kyle Rowe. A three-week ban was upheld on appeal on Friday, ending van der Merwe’s tournament.

It’s another South African born wing who steps in to his stead: Kyle Steyn has come through the Scottish sevens set-up with a rounded skill set, and while he may not possess quite the forceful carrying of the man he is replacing, he’s a dynamic, creative runner who should relish a first Six Nations start.

Sixes and sevens

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rory Darge stood out for Scotland two weeks ago against France, taking his try with a canny angle and doing plenty otherwise after Hamish Watson’s late Covid-enforced withdrawal. Today we will see them in tandem from the start for the first time at international level - an exciting prospect.

The two are not dissimilar players, and while that may prevent the pair being used together all the time, the dual open side approach is one that Gregor Townsend had been key to look at with two such fine sevens at his disposal. Italy’s back row is arguably their strength, and they will also try to attack the breakdown - I think this could be quite an open, turnover-filled game, which may suit Scotland’s creative backline.

Can Italy challenge Scotland’s defensive edges?

13:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy persist with a midfield containing two distributors, with Leonardo Marin alongside Paolo Garbisi. Going down to 13 so early meant that we didn’t see the Italians attack quite as planned against Ireland, but there were some really clever touches. Scotland’s defence showed some chinks against France, and while Italy can’t quite move the ball in the way the Six Nations leaders can, Garbisi and Marin can present tricky pictures for Chris Harris and co to decipher.

The problem for Italy remains chance conversion and red zone execution. When they make a line-break, there is a tendency to offload ambitiously or force a pass rather than play through the phases with greater composure. Part of that comes with the territory of a young team, but Kieran Crowley will be hoping for better.

Team News - Scotland

13:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The return to fitness of Hamish Watson and Matt Fagerson is a boon for Scotland, with Gregor Townsend retaining Rory Darge alongside his first-choice 7-8 pairing. Darge and Watson should dovetail if the Stadio Olimpico track is fast. George Turner and Stuart McInally swap hooker roles.

Duhan van der Merwe has been banned for three weeks after his elbow made contact with the head of fellow Scotland squad member Kyle Rowe during fallow week Premiership action, so Townsend gives Kyle Steyn a first start of the tournament. Sam Johnson replaces Sione Tuipulotu, and it’s fifty up for Ali Price.

Continuing the Gloucester theme, livewire ex-Kingsholmer Ben Vellacott awaits a debut at scrum-half on the Scotland bench, while Adam Hastings is back in favour and provides fly-half cover.

Scotland XV: Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson; Skinner, Gilchrist; Darge, Watson, M Fagerson; Price, Russell; Steyn, Johnson, Harris, Graham; Hogg.

Replacements: McInally, Dell, Nel, Hodgson, Bradbury; Vellacott, Hastings, Tuipulotu.

Team News – Italy

13:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

In case you, somehow, missed it, Italy lost two hookers against Ireland, with Gianmarco Lucchesi tournament ended by a dislocated elbow and Hame Faiva’s Six Nations also over after his shoulder made contact with Dan Sheehan’s head. That means two new twos for Kieran Crowley: former skipper Luca Bigi is back on the bench but the starting berth at the centre of the front row is given to debutant Giacomo Nicotera.

There’s a single change in the backs, as Callum Braley steps in for his former Gloucester colleague Stephen Varney. Braley returns to English rugby with Northampton from the summer, and will hope to allow the dual playmaker axis of Leonardo Marin and Paolo Garbisi to play a little more than against Italy

On the bench, France-based Ange Capuozzo has plenty of admirers and is primed for a debut in the back three – he’s seriously quick and has been going well for Grenoble in ProD2.

Italy XV: Fischetti, Nicotera, Ceccarelli; Cannone, Ruzza; Pettinelli, Lamaro, Halafihi; Braley, Garbisi; Ioane, Marin, Brex, Bruno; Padovani

Replacements: Bigi, Nemer, Zilocchi, Sisi, Zuliani; Fusco, Zanon, Capuozzo

Scotland vs Italy

13:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s the penultimate Six Nations Saturday, and the action begins in Italy as Scotland look to right their slide towards the bottom of the table against Kieran Crowley’s fighting side, who might just have a point to prove after the farcical circumstances in Dublin two weeks ago. It looks a lovely spring day in Rome - let’s take a closer look at the two starting sides...

Scotland vs Italy

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

12:15 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Italy vs Scotland in Rome, as both sides desperately try to salvage something from a Six Nations that has gone badly off track.

Without a Six Nations win since 2015, Italy’s struggles have not been wholly surprising but scoring just one try in the first three rounds has been frustrating as Kieran Crowley’s first championship in charge has offered the odd positive sign but been largely disheartening.

Scotland were dreaming of a first title since 1999 when they beat England in round one to record back-to-back Calcutta Cup victories for the first time since 1984 but a frustrating loss to Wales and a complete outclassing at the hands of France since have stalled any momentum.

A game against the Azzurri could help cure plenty of ills but Gregor Townsend's men will be wary of an unforgivable slip-up against the Six Nations’ whipping boys before rounding out their tournament against Ireland next weekend.