Italy v Scotland Women Preview

What they said:

Scotland prop Elliann Clarke said: “We want to put in a good performance this weekend and right some wrongs from England week.

“We’re excited to play against Italy. They have some really exciting backs and play an exciting brand of rugby to watch, so it will be challenge. It always is a challenge and a close game.

“In training, we’ve been taking some steps forward to really get into them up front and in the set-piece and prove ourselves further from last week.

“For us, physicality will what we’re looking for and then some skill execution. We want to go out there, score some points and put on a performance we can proud of us players and coaches, and for the fans at home to give them something to cheer for. We want to be clinical and have a good defensive set.

“This weekend will be about putting in a big performance, especially at set-piece for me – my role within the squad is to anchor that.”

The Teams:

There are five changes to the XV ahead of this weekend’s visit to Italy, with there being a first-ever Scotland Women start for prop Demi Swann and maiden inclusions in the XV during this Six Nations campaign for forwards Eva Donaldson and Rachel McLachlan and backs Lucia Scott and Francesca McGhie.

The Stats:

• Scotland have won three of their last six away matches in the Women’s Six Nations, including their most recent 24-19 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium.
• Scotland have conceded the fewest penalties in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations (16), while no side has conceded more than Italy (21 – level with Ireland).
• Scotland have attacked the blindside more than any other team in this year’s Women’s Six Nations, doing so on 13% of their attacking phases, while they’ve also moved the ball beyond first receiver more frequently than any other team (46%).