Italy vs Scotland Six Nations 2026: Live Match Updates
Live coverage from the Stadio Olimpico in Rome as Italy host Scotland in the opening round of the Six Nations 2026 championship. Kick-off is scheduled for 2.10pm GMT, with both teams looking to set an early tone in this highly anticipated tournament.
Pre-Match Build-Up and Team News
The atmosphere is building outside the Stadio Olimpico, where fans from both nations are mingling ahead of this crucial fixture. For Scotland, this match represents a significant opportunity to start the championship on a positive note, given their strong form and fitness levels entering the tournament.
However, historical context adds pressure. Scotland's inexplicable frailty was highlighted in their last meeting with Italy in 2024, when the Azzurri staged a remarkable comeback to win 31-29 – their first victory over Scotland in eleven years. That result serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Gregor Townsend's side today.
Team Line-Ups and Tactical Approaches
Both teams have named their starting XVs and replacements, showcasing an open style of play reflected in their 5:3 split on the substitutes' bench. This contrasts with the trend among most Six Nations coaches, who typically favour more forward-heavy replacements.
Italy Starting Team:
- Leonardo Marin
- Louis Lynagh, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Monty Ioane
- Paolo Garbisi, Alessandro Fusco
- Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Simone Ferrari
- Niccolò Cannone, Andrea Zambonin
- Michele Lamaro (c), Manuel Zuliani, Lorenzo Cannone
Replacements: Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, Mirco Spagnolo, Muhamed Hasa, Federico Ruzza, Riccardo Favretto, Alessandro Garbisi, Giacomo Da Re, Lorenzo Pani
Scotland Starting Team:
- Tom Jordan
- Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu (c), Jamie Dobie
- Finn Russell, Ben White
- Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, Zander Fagerson
- Scott Cummings, Grant Gilchrist
- Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey
Replacements: George Turner, Nathan McBeth, Elliot Millar Mills, Max Williamson, Gregor Brown, George Horne, Adam Hastings, Darcy Graham
Match Significance and Expectations
This fixture carries enormous importance for both sides, particularly Scotland, who enter the tournament with optimism yet face familiar questions about their ability to convert talent into consistent results. Under Townsend's leadership, Scotland have often been described as talented and experienced, yet they have repeatedly fallen short of challenging for the title, typically finishing around fourth place.
Italy, coached by Gonzalo Quesada, will be eager to replicate their 2024 heroics. Their approach in recent years has earned them some notable results, and they will view this home match as a perfect opportunity to build momentum early in the championship.
The tone-setting nature of this opening round clash cannot be overstated. For Scotland, a defeat would trigger widespread disappointment, with the psychological impact potentially echoing across their campaign. Conversely, a victory could provide the platform they need to finally realise their potential in this competition.
As the teams prepare to take the field, all eyes are on Rome for what promises to be a captivating encounter between two sides committed to expansive, attacking rugby.
