"Passion and effort are guaranteed from any Italy team but they were clinical here too and defended magnificently. They ruthlessly capitalised on Scotland's often rank inaccuracy and a richly deserved win their second in three years against Scotland sets them up beautifully for the tournament. The fly-half Paolo Garbisi played the appallingly wet conditions superbly to celebrate his 50th Test cap, testing the visitors' defence with regular, spiralling contestable kicks and mostly striking the ball well off the tee."
"The centres Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex, also marking his 50th cap, were sensational again while the energy and skill of the wing Louis Lynagh significantly softened the blow of Ange Capuozzo's injury absence. Collectively, in difficult conditions, Italy's handling and ball movement were far superior to Scotland's and arguably, for head coach Gregor Townsend and his players, there is no excuse for that."
Italy beat Scotland 18-15 by capitalising on Scotland's inaccuracy and defending magnificently. Paolo Garbisi mastered appalling wet conditions with contestable kicks and reliable goal-kicking to mark his 50th Test. Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex were outstanding, with Brex also reaching 50 caps, and Louis Lynagh provided energy despite Ange Capuozzo's injury absence. Italy's handling and ball movement in difficult weather outclassed Scotland's. Scotland produced shockingly poor set-piece, ball-handling and discipline at times. Gregor Townsend faces increased pressure after a match Scotland needed to win. Italy led by eight at half-time despite limited possession.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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