Scotland vs Italy Preview & Prediction | 2023 Six Nations Championship

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THE FACTS

When is Scotland vs Italy on and what time does it start? Scotland vs Italy will take place on Saturday 18th March, 2023 – 12:30 (UK)

Where is Scotland vs Italy taking place? Scotland vs Italy will take place at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, Scotland

Where can I get tickets for Scotland vs Italy? Ticket information for Scotland vs Italy can be found on each nation’s official website

What channel is Scotland vs Italy on in the UK? Television coverage is shared between BBC and ITV so it is worth checking their schedules for Scotland vs Italy

Where can I stream Scotland vs Italy in the UK? If televised live on BBC, Scotland vs Italy can be streamed live on iPlayer, while ITVX is the place to go if the match is on ITV

THE TEAM NEWS

SCOTLAND

• Scotland were second best as they succumbed to a quality Ireland outfit last week which made it back-to-back defeats for the Scots but they will hope to end their campaign on a high.
• Gregor Townsend’s side have made huge strides in recent years but will be wary of finishing off on a low note here, although they will be without some key men with Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg and Richie Gray all ruled out through injury.

Starting XV: Smith, Steyn, H. Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe, Kinghorn, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z. Fagerson, Skinner, J. Gray, Ritchie, Watson, Dempsey

Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, Cummings, M. Fagerson, Price, Healy, Redpath

ITALY

• Italy would have been hopeful of defeating Wales last week but they fell short and will now aim to claim their first victory of this season’s competition.
• The Italians have been competitive in most of their games so far this season but are yet to get off the mark and they have opted to make four changes in an effort to bow out with a good performance.

Starting XV: Allan; Bruno, Brex, Menoncello, Gesi; P. Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Riccioni, Iachizzi, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, L. Cannone

Replacements: Manfredi, Zani, Ceccarelli, N. Cannone, Pettinelli, Zuliani, A. Garbisi, Morisi

THE PREDICTION

Scotland will be desperate to come out on top of this clash with Italy as they aim to avoid a third successive loss. The Scots have been relatively good in this season’s competition and will not be too deterred by their loss to a Grand Slam-chasing Ireland side last time out. They will come into this having been forced into making several changes and have some key men missing out so while they should be able to prevail against a winless Italy side, the visitors will hold no fear here and will look to give the ball some air which can result in a high-scoring contest in which over 45.5 points are scored.