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EDINBURGH - Italy made an historic breakthrough by achieving their first away win in the Six Nations championship after defeating Scotland 37-17 in an amazing game at Murrayfield on this morning.
In a bizarre match Scotland were 21 points down after only seven minutes after Italy ruthlessly cashed in on a series of blunders - the first try coming after 19 seconds of play.
Thereafter the Scots were hopelessly chasing the game - rejecting several kickable penalties in their panic - but Italy finished strongly to secure their famous win.
It was Italy's highest score and biggest margin of victory in the championship - eclipsing the 14-point margin from their 34-20 win over Scotland in their first match in the competition in Rome in 2000.
Halfback Alessandro Troncon rounded off the Italian scoring with their fourth try late on and told the BBC: "It's the result of our hard work. "We were focussed and we played well and today I think is the start of a new era for us.
Troncon, 33, who captained Italy on their famous opening win over the Scots seven years ago, could not hide his delight after being named man of the match in his 93rd international. "For me it's a great day, it's near the end for me but I'm very happy for Italian rugby."
Packed Murrayfield
The fans had packed Murrayfield with high hopes after Scotland's home win over Wales two weeks ago but the ground where England and France both lost last season was stunned into silence by the extraordinary start.
An attempted chip ahead by outside half Phil Godman that was charged down by Mauro Bergamasco, who touched down under the posts, leaving Andrea Scanavacca with an easy conversion kick.
An ill-judged pass from Chris Cusiter was gratefully accepted by Scanavacca four minutes later for another converted try.
Cusiter was again the culprit for the third try, the Lions scrum half attempting an outrageously long pass that ended up in the hands of Kaine Robertson. The wing had the pace to make the line for his side's try, again converted by Scanavacca for an incredible 21-0 with just seven minutes played.
The home fans responded by booing their men though they were finally given some cheer as the Scots engineered a try from a penalty-created lineout, prop Gavin Kerr making a breakaway surge before the ball was moved right for centre Rob Dewey to score.
If it seemed Scotland were back on track then the sin-binning of Simon Taylor for slowing down release of the ball as Italy turned another Scottish midfield blunder into attack brought matters into perspective. The misdemeanour was duly punished with a penalty goal by Scanavacca.
Scotland tried desperately to get back on terms but were three times thwarted by determined Italian defence and it was left to Paterson to provide a note of comfort in the second quarter with a penalty goal just on half time.
Bizarrely Scotland continued to eschew pots at goal and instead tried everything to break down the Italian defence. It was to little avail until Paterson, having replaced Godman at stand-off stamped his mark on the game with a brilliant solo try and then the conversion, narrowing Italy's lead to seven points.
But when the Scots failed to deal with the long restart kick there was further trouble. Italy used their forward power to pile on the pressure close to the Scotland line and landed a penalty after a series of collapsed scrums.
Another penalty goal by the Italy outside half put the Azzurri 13 points ahead and when Troncon was forced over the line by his eager forwards and Scanavacca added the conversion the rout was complete.
A historic win for Italy and a decidedly disastrous day for Scotland and with the two sides due to meet in the pool stage of the World Cup it could not have come at a more interesting time.
Italy 37 (Mauro Bergamasco, Andrea Scanavacca, Kaine Robertson, Alessandro Troncon tries; Scanavacca 4 conversions, 3 penalties) def. Scotland 17 (Rob Dewey, Chris Paterson tries; Paterson 2 conversions, 1 penalty). Halftime: 24-10.
- REUTERS
