There was celebratory scenes in the Stadio Olimpico as Italy record their first win of this year's Six Nations coming from behind to beat Scotland 31-29. It is Italy's first win in Rome in the Six Nations since they beat Ireland in 2013.
It was a match that looked to be out of Italy's hand as Scotland dominated the first quarter of the match. An early Paolo Garbisi penalty was replied with a try by Zander Fagerson after just five minutes. Scotland would score another try six minutes later through winger Kyle Steyn as it looked to be another rough day in the office for the Italians.
A try through Nacho Brex gave Italy hope but another Scottish try, this time through Pierre Schoeman looked to have killed things off as Scotland had three tries in less than 30 minutes of play and a 22-10 lead. The second half started with Harlequins winger and debutant Louis Lynagh gathering a Garbisi grubber kick to score and Italy were back in the game.
Momentum shifted from that point on and Italy were on the front foot. A Stephen Varney try just before the hour mark as well as a Garbisi penalty gave Italy a two score lead with a few minutes to go. A late Scottish try by second row Sam Skinner wasn't enough for Scotland as Italy recorded a memorable win in front of a sold out Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Reaction To Italy's Victory Over Scotland
The aftermath of the final whistle saw players fall to their knees, the crowd jumping for joy and scenes that make the Six Nations the special tournament it is. Speaking on Virgin post-match, Matt Williams commended the team and the crowd for their heart and perseverance.
Those pictures are sensational. The Olympic Stadium, 70 thousand, sold out. People talk about inspiration, the team inspire the crowd and the crowd inspire the team and this team in the first ten minutes were beaten and they tackled their heart out in the second half and there was a 14 point turnaround which was a match turner.
Look at the emotion! Look at those players! Look at those fans!
Absolutely incredible scenes in Rome as Italy beat Scotland!
It's their first home win in the Six Nations since 2013!
Former Italian international @ianmck7 gives his reaction! 🇮🇹#ITAvSCO | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/IgNlzFGGTk
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 9, 2024
Former Italian International Ian McKinley was celebrating with the boys in the studio too, shouting for some celebratory Prosecco!
"𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐀𝐌 𝐈 𝐇𝐔𝐆𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆!?"
"𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐀𝐌 𝐈 𝐇𝐔𝐆𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆!?""𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐂𝐎!"
Former Italian international @ianmck7 might be the happiest man in Ireland right now! 🇮🇹🙌😂#ITAvSCO | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/RGw7vutc1P
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 9, 2024
Italy have a chance to make even more history next week as if they don't lose against Wales, it will be the first time Italy have gone three Six Nations game in a row without defeat.
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