Scotland scrape home against Italy

EDINBURGH - Italy have come close to pulling off their first Six Nations victory away from home in a 23-19 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield.

A brilliant try from flanker Mauro Bergamasco, who ran more than 50 metres down the left- hand touchline to score, helped the Italians to a 10-6 lead at halftime. Flyhalf Diego Dominguez put over a conversion and a penalty before the break

Scotland, who were restricted to two Duncan Hodge penalties before the interval, needed a second-half try from prop Tom Smith and three more penalties and a drop goal from flyhalf Hodge to save the day.

Italy beat Scotland in Rome in their debut in the championship last season, their only victory in the tournament to date.

Dominguez kept the Italians in the game in the second half with his goalkicking, adding three more penalties.

The Scots were not sure of victory until Hodge's fifth penalty in the last five minutes.

The result marked Scotland's first win in the championship this season. They drew with Wales 28-28 at Murrayfield but lost to France and England.

Italy have now lost all four games following defeats by Ireland, England and France.

Scotland enjoyed a huge advantage in terms of possession but rarely threatened the Italian line because of ineffective back play.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan was disappointed that his side did not make more of their possession in the first half.

"We had clear scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes. We will have to look at why we didn't use them," he said.

"As the game went on it became much tighter."

Italy coach Brad Johnstone added: "Our defence was much better today. We've worked hard on it. We're starting to get it together now".

- REUTERS

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