Scotland make hard work of Italy

Scotland 23 Italy 19

Scotland 23 Italy 19

Italy went close to pulling off their first Six Nations victory away from home, going down 23-19 to Scotland at Murrayfield this afternoon.

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.

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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 Murrayfieldbut lost to France and England.

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