“We still have to improve a lot, but to bring back a win in Rome is unbelievable.”
It was Italy’s first home win in the championship since 2013. It ended a losing streak of 26 home matches in the championship, and a streak of 30 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Italy has been most successful in the Six Nations against Scotland but this eighth win came nine years after its last over the Scots.
Defeat has dashed the title hopes of Scotland, which started in Rome as an 18-point favorite.
Italy has earned its most competition points — seven — since it joined the championship in 2000, and will face Wales in the final round next weekend with a chance to avoid the wooden spoon for the first time since 2015.
The Azzurri missed an historic win against France two weeks ago when Paolo Garbisi’s rushed, last-gasp penalty hit the post.
There was redemption somewhat for Garbisi right at the start of the match against Scotland when Italy was awarded a penalty and — just like in Lille — the ball again fell off the tee. Garbisi smiled, stayed calm and sending the ball sailing between the posts. He beamed broadly.
But Scotland surged into a commanding lead with two tries in five minutes.
First, prop Zander Fagerson barged over from close range after 18 phases, then wing Kyle Steyn crashed over. Finn Russell converted both.
Italy added to the frantic opening spell by scoring its own when first receiver Martin Page-Relo chipped and center Juan Ignacio Brex and collected the ball behind the tryline as he dived to avoid the left goalpost.
Russell kicked a penalty for his 18th consecutive goalkick but finally missed for the first time in the tournament the conversion of prop Pierre Schoeman’s try from a lineout drive.
Scotland led 22-10 but Italy closed the gap to six by halftime thanks to penalties by Garbisi and Page-Relo. Scotland was also barely holding on by the break after Ange Capuozzo was held up over the line.
Scrumhalf George Horne thought he had Scotland’s bonus-point try within 90 second of the restart but it was ruled out after Schoeman was penalized for obstruction.
“Italy played better in the second half and got more points than us so of course they deserved it,” Scotland coach Gregor Townsend told ITV.
“We came out in the second half and got the contact area sorted and created a score. But it was disallowed and after that we were ill-disciplined. We gave away about six penalties in a row which let them back in the game.”
Italy effected a 14-point turnaround moments later when wing Louis Lynagh, the son of Australia great Michael Lynagh, ran onto a delightful Garbisi grubber to score on his international debut. He was swarmed by his teammates in joy. Italy had the chance to take the lead but Garbisi’s attempted conversion came off the post.
“One try, one win, I might retire,” said Lynagh, whose parents were in the crowd.
However, the Azzurri went in front not long after. No. 8 Ross Vintcent sprinted through a gap to within sight of the line, and replacement scrumhalf Stephen Varney scored. Garbisi’s extras made it 28-22.
Another Garbisi penalty — conceded needlessly by Skinner — in the 73rd for 31-22 proved crucial. Skinner scored between the posts and Russell’s rapid conversion brought the deficit down to two for Scotland with 90 seconds remaining.
But Italy’s defense held out 28 phases, and made 213 tackles in the game.
“We showed the world we have the passion in the last few minutes,” Brex said. “If you are tired, it’s not a problem, it’s in our blood.”
