Italy opened up their Women’s Six Nations campaign with a bonus-point win, but were made to work for their takings throughout by a spirited Scotland side at Scotstoun.
Scotland Women v Italian Women Post-Match Statistics pack
The game level at the break after a first-half of defensive prowess, Italy ran in three scores in the second to seal the extra point and put gloss on the scoreboard.
But Scotland, who had fallen to Italy in the reverse fixture last year, stayed in the game throughout, falling just short, despite the raucous efforts of the home crowd.
In a competitive opening to the fixture, it was Italy who drew first blood when Ilaria Arrighetti put the finishing touches to a strong driving maul.
Scotland dug in as Italy pressed for a second, and despite losing Megan Kennedy to the sin-bin, showed exceptional resolve to keep the visitors out as they set up camp on the try-line.
And they got their reward as the clock ran red on half-time, Sarah Bonar profiting after Scottish patience as they were held up at the line, diving over to level at the break while Italy were down to 13.
Despite Scottish pressure early in the second-half, Italy somehow kept them out in spite of their reduced numbers.
And the visitors re-took the lead when Giada Franco muscled over with a pick and go after waves of Italian pressure on the try-line.
Scotland tried to force a response, threatening down the left through the dangerous Chloe Rollie, but Italy held firm.
And Italy broke Scotstoun hearts when Giada Franco’s step on the edge of her 22 opened up the field, with Beatrice Rigoni providing able support, receiving the ball gratefully to dot down and seal victory for the visitors.
Italy sealed their bonus point with a strongly contested scrum, Elisa Giordano crashing over from the back of the pack before Michela Sillari added the cherry on the top with a typically confident conversion.
Scotland Women v Italian Women Post-Match Statistics pack
