Encounters between the countries have enjoyed their fair share of drama in the past, with Duncan Weir’s last- gasp drop goal in 2014 a fine example of such theatre.

LAST MEETING

22 February 2020, Stadio Olimpico, ITALY 0 – 17 SCOTLAND

A three-try win in Rome got Scotland’s 2020 Guinness Six Nations campaign on track in the Italian capital, with tries coming through Chris Harris, Adam Hastings and a scintillating solo e ort from captain Stuart Hogg. An attritional fixture at the Stadio Olimpico witnessed some stellar Scottish defence, rewarded with a clean sheet – a rarity in international rugby. Scotland have not lost in Rome since a 13-6 defeat in 2012.

ITALIAN INSIGHT

Italy have finished bottom of the Guinness Six Nations table for the last five years. The peerless Sergio Parisse has turned 37 and it remains to be seen if he will don The Azzurri top for one last hurrah. In his absence it is important the other members of the Italian squad step up to a leadership role and in Tommaso Allen, a former Scotland U20 cap they boast a player who already has 50 caps for his country and appears to enjoy playing against the nation he represented as a youngster.

In the Italian pack, Parisse’s absence is tempered somewhat by the emergence of the talented Jake Polledri, Sebastian Negri and Brahm Steyn, all of whom have the ability to compete with most countries on their day.

The combative Matteo Minozzi brings air and excitement to their back division and has 10 tries for only 15 international starts to date.

SUPPORTING THIS SATURDAY

Scotland’s fixture kicks-off at 12.45pm GMT and is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

You can also join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for match-build up and follow in game updates at scottishrugby.org. Stay connected with us during the game using #AsOne and we’ll look out for your messages to include in the Scottish Rugby Match Centre.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

The Scotland team to play Italy will be named at lunchtime on Wednesday (11 November) across the Scottish Rugby channels.