Italy have defeated Scotland in a thrilling match at the Stadio Olimpico in the fourth round of the Six Nations.
The match, which finished 31 - 29 to the Azzurri, started in comical fashion with Paolo Garbisi falling foul to the same kicking tee issues that saw the vastly improved Italian side denied a victory against France last time out. This time around, however, Garbisi found the clock in his favour as he reset the ball - visibly smiling as he slotted the ball over the posts.
Louis Lynagh also settled himself very comfortably into his international colours with a beautifully finished try.
The Treviso-born wide man latched on to the end of a delicately fed grubber kick from Garbisi. The flyhalf spotted the gap behind the onrushing defence as Lynagh sped through to clutch the bouncing ball.
With just ten metres to race, Lynagh found himself between two backtracking defenders who were unable to stop the debut man.
The match continued in dramatic fashion throughout, right up until the final whistle as Italy held on for a historic victory. This win puts Italy truly back on the map and heading for their greatest finish to a Six Nations campaign for longer than many can remember.
The loss for Scotland does, however, mean a likely end to their Six Nations hopes, unless England can do a job on Ireland later on today.
Esteemed journalist, Alastair Eyken summed up the finish perfectly, saying: "Two forward passes in those last 24 Scottish phases so you have to think justice done. Brilliant contest, the Italians so resilient, so committed. Scotland must’ve felt they had it sewn up at 22-10 - just seemed to stop playing."
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