Six Nations: Scotland v Italy betting preview, tip and TV details

BBC1, 2.15pm Saturday

In the ever-evolving world of the Six Nations, what was once often a dour, low-scoring clash between two teams desperate to avoid the wooden spoon, has every chance of being a highly entertaining affair.

Scotland are rated 24-point favourites, a line they have covered once in this fixture in the Six Nations, two years ago when they triumphed 29-0.

But if Scotland have upped their attacking output in recent seasons, the Azzurri have not been far behind and last year's try tally of 12 was their highest in the Six Nations. Under Conor O'Shea, Italy have played with far more width and ambition rather than simply looking to limit the damage.

They are without last year’s four-try hero Matteo Minozzi, but fly-half Tommaso Allan looks to have come of age while shifting centre Michele Campagnaro to the wing could be an inspired move given his experience in the Premiership.

Scotland have a talented backline to do damage but they are missing some key players from their pack, notably the back row, and a physical Italy outfit could have plenty of chances to disrupt their game at the set-piece and breakdown.

Italy may have been modest scorers in the past but they have averaged 17 points per game against Scotland and if they were just to maintain that mark that would leave the hosts needing more than 40 to cover the line.

The last two meetings between these two came in the final round of matches but this year’s it’s a first-round encounter and neither team will be looking further than the victory.

Last year in Rome, Scotland sealed a 29-27 victory with a last-minute penalty, and while it's unlikely to be that close Italy can keep it closer than bookmakers anticipate.

Recommendation
Italy +24
2pts 10-11 general

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