Scotland lost in Rome for the first time since 2012 as their Six Nations title hopes were shredded by a stirring second-half comeback from Italy.
The hosts won 31-29 amid raucous scenes at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico after the Scots threw away a 22-10 lead. They will now go to Dublin next weekend to scrap for the minor places but with the consolation prize of the Triple Crown still up for grabs.
It was a hugely disappointing outcome and brings to an end Scotland’s run of 13 consecutive victories over Italy, but there was joy unconfined for the home side and scenes of great emotion on the pitch. This was their first home win in the Six Nations for 11 years and they deserved to celebrate accordingly.
We give each starter for Scotland a mark out of ten for their performance at the Stadio Olimpico.
13. Huw Jones
Involved in setting up Horne for his disallowed try but an otherwise uneventful afternoon for the Glasgow Warriors man who seemed to miss his usual centre partner, Tuipulotu. 5 Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI
14. Kyle Steyn
Nabbed Scotland’s second try after being played in by Blair Kinghorn and was part of a good first half but, like his team-mates, he struggled to make much headway after the break. 6 Photo: Adam Davy
15. Blair Kinghorn
His second game back after a knee injury and he set up Steyn for his try. Showed lovely skills with a one-handed pick up but there was a couple of dodgy moments too for the full-back. 6 Photo: Giampiero Sposito