Scotland face Italy in the Six Nations today hoping to get back to winning ways in round four after back-to-back losses.
After getting their campaign off to the perfect start with victory over England, Gregor Townsend’s side have stalled since with defeats to Wales and France and they desperately need to produce a positive display to lift the mood again.
They face an Italian side likely to be generous opponents, with their run of matches without a Six Nations win now at 35. If ever there was a chance to get back on track, it is surely this for the Scottish.
Italy have scored a total of 13 points across their three matches so far, failing to trouble the scoreboard against England in their only home match.
Here’s all you need to know about Saturday’s Six Nations clash...
Italy vs Scotland date, kick-off time and venue
Italy vs Scotland is set for a 2.15pm GMT kick-off today, Saturday March 12, 2022.
The match will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
How to watch Italy vs Scotland
TV channel: In the UK, Italy vs Scotland is being broadcast live on ITV, with coverage beginning at 1:30pm.
Live stream: Fans can also check out the action as it unfolds online via the ITV Hub.
Italy vs Scotland team news
Italy have made two changes from the team that was comfortably beaten by Ireland.
Both are forced by injuries, with Callum Braley replacing Stephen Varney at scrum-half and Giacomo Nicotera making his debut at hooker.
He replaces Gianmarco Lucchesi, who is ruled out with a dislocated elbow.
Duhan van der Merwe misses out for Scotland after his tournament was ended by a three-week ban, leaving an opportunity for Kyle Steyn to make his first Six Nations start.
Ali Price will win his 50th cap, as he starts alongside Finn Russell once again.
Hamish Watson and Matt Fagerson return for Scotland, while Ben Vellacott is named among the replacements and Townsend is hopeful he could have an impact late in the match.
“Hamish had a very good game in Cardiff and Matt started the championship very well too, so having them back adds to our experience,” said Townsend.
“Ben’s form in the first half of the season was excellent. He’s earned his opportunity and his pace could be a real weapon for us going into the final quarter.”
Italy vs Scotland lineups
Italy XV: Padovani; Bruno, Brex, Marin, Ioane; Garbisi, Braley; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ceccarelli, Cannone, Ruzza, Pettinelli, Lamaro, Halafihi
Replacements: Bigi, Nemer, Zilocchi, Sisi, Zuliani, Fusco, Zanon, Capuozzo
Scotland XV: Hogg; Graham, Harris, Johnson, Steyn; Russell, Price; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson; Skinner, Gilchrist; Watson, Darge, M Fagerson.
Replacements: McInally, Dell, Nel, Hodgson, Bradbury, Vellacott, Hastings, Tuipulotu.
Italy vs Scotland head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be the 34th meeting between these two nations. England have won 25 of the previous matches, with Italy winning the other eight games.
Seven of those Italian victories have come on home soil, but it’s been a decade since they last got the better of Scotland in Rome.
Italy vs Scotland prediction
It’s seven years since Italy last won a match in the Six Nations, which was against Scotland at Murrayfield as they earned a famous 22-19 victory.
There’s been nothing to celebrate in recent years though and there’s little to suggest that that winless run is about to be ended.
Scotland have been unable to build on their Calcutta Cup success, but they pushed Wales on the way and had some bright moments last time out against an all-conquering French side.
Italy have managed one try all tournament so far - they may well add to that, but they will struggle to stop the exciting Scotland backs running riot in Rome.
Away win by more than 30 points.
Italy vs Scotland betting odds
Italy win: 10/1
Scotland win: 1/16
Draw: 55/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
