Scotland produced a strong second half display to defeat Italy 22-8 at Murrayfield on Saturday in the battle to avoid last place in the 2011 RBS Six Nations.
Italy led at the break but Scottish tries by Nick De Luca and Nikki Walker ensured the Scots' first win of the campaign and condemned the Italians to the ‘wooden spoon’.
Scotland applied hefty early pressure, prompted by a Sean Lamont break, with Italy giving away a penalty for failing to release. Chris Paterson duly kicked the hosts ahead with a classy penalty.
Mirco Bergamasco was unsuccessful with an attempt to level for Italy after an infringement at the ruck, but the Italians soon built on their good response.
Full-back Andrea Masi took advantage of nonexistent Scottish defending to score a solo effort in the corner, though Bergamasco’s conversion attempt hit the post.
Paterson’s second penalty, 18 minutes into the clash, sent Scotland back in the front, after Italy had again produced some stunning defending on their own line, with Simon Danielli having been stopped inches short.
The Scots were forced to replace Joe Ansbro, who suffered a knee injury, with De Luca at the end of the opening quarter.
Italy, too, lost a dangerous attacker to injury, as Masi limped off, but Bergamasco capitalised on Simon Danielli’s failure to role away to kick the visitors back ahead.
The Italians maintained their 8-6 lead into the interval after Paterson uncharacteristically fluffed a penalty chance at the end of the half.
Hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini saved Italy at the beginning of the second half, chasing back to deny Lamont, who had hacked ahead and chased.
However, a scrum and pressure followed, and led to a Scotland try, as De Luca scored in the corner following an offload from Nathan Hines. Paterson was unable to add the extras.
Scotland went further ahead eight minutes later when Walker powered through a couple of weak tackles to go over, with Paterson’s conversion leaving it 18-8 to the home side.
With the Scots dominating, despite the occasional Italian foray up field, Bergamasco was penalised for dangerous play and Paterson kicked his side further ahead with 11 minutes to go.
Italy finished the game well but crossing cost Pablo Canavosio a consolation try and fellow replacement Luke McLean was denied by Paterson, as Scotland secured a hard-fought triumph.