Kick-off: Saturday 7 February 2026, 14:10 GMT, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Watch live: Coverage available on BBC (UK) and Sky Italia - global options here
Tickets: Available via FIR
Team News:
Italy: Marin; Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari; Cannone, Zambonin; Lamaro (c), Zuliani, Cannone.
Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Garbisi, Da Re, Pani.
Scotland: Jordan; Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu (c), Dobie; Russell, White; Schoeman, Ashman, Z Fagerson, Cummings, Gilchrist; M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Turner, McBeth, Millar-Mills, Williamson, Brown, Horne, Hastings, Graham.
Predictions 🔮
Insight by Oval predict a Scotland win by 8 points, with a 70% chance that Gregor Townsend's men will emerge victorious. They give Italy a 26% chance of a win, with chances of a draw at 4%.
A Fixture on the Rise
Italy v Scotland may not carry the historical weight of some Guinness Men's Six Nations rivalries, but in recent years it has delivered some of the tournament’s most entertaining rugby: from Italy’s dramatic win in 2000 — their first victory in their maiden Championship — to Scotland’s punishing win in 2017, the pendulum has swung with each encounter.
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Last year, it was Scotland edged a tense battle in Edinburgh, but Italy’s performance - led by a maturing spine of Capuozzo, Ignacio Brex, and the metronomic boot of Tommaso Allan - was indicative of a team no longer content with moral victories.
Recent History: Momentum vs Belief
Scotland enter the 2026 Championship with a squad bolstered by several experienced campaigners from the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia. Gregor Townsend’s side has developed a reputation for expansive rugby, but their success often hinges on discipline and execution.
Italy, under Gonzalo Quesada, continue to evolve. Their back-to-back wins against Wales in consecutive Championships mean Italy have shrugged off the tag of Wooden Spooners in the past couple of years.
This fixture could be pivotal for both sides: Scotland looking to build momentum, Italy aiming to convert promise into points.
Key Players to Watch
Italy:
Danilo Fischetti – A reliable presence in the front row and a former Zebre captain, he has returned to England, adding to his international experience with Northampton.
Manuel Zuliani – The Azzurri’s king of the breakdown, tasked with covering the absence of Sebastian Negri by winning turnovers and disrupting opposition possession.
Tommaso Menoncello – Player of the Championship in 2024, a powerful centre with a nose for the try-line, already set to join Toulouse next season.
Scotland:
Finn Russell – The heartbeat of Scotland’s attack, his vision and kicking game remain world-class.
Jack Dempsey – Has been a rampaging presence in the Scottish back row this past year.
Huw Jones – Scored a hat-trick in this fixture in 2025. Hard to stop.
Did You Know?
Italy’s last win over Scotland came in 2024, a 31–29 thriller in Rome
Scotland have won 14 of the last 16 meetings between the sides (losing in 2024 and 2015)
This fixture has produced an average of 5.4 tries per game over the last five years - among the highest in the Championship.
Looking Ahead
With both teams targeting a strong start to the 2026 Guinness Men's Six Nations, this clash in Rome could set the tone for their campaigns. Expect fireworks from Menoncello and Russell, big collisions in midfield, and a crowd ready to roar the Azzurri to another famous win.
Whether you're tracking fantasy rugby points or just soaking up the spectacle, Italy v Scotland is a fixture that promises drama, skill, and no shortage of heart.