Scotland U20 v Italy U20

Italy took the lead in just over a minute as Lorenzo Pani found Federico Cuminetti on the left, and he used his strength and speed to get over in the corner.

Both sides were struggling to break down the opposing defence, and while Scotland were starting to get some territory, they were not able to convert it into clear chances.

And it was Italy who managed to create a chance, and a score. From a penalty they kicked to the corner, and a driving maul from the lineout took Alessandro Ortombina over the line.

But in the 29^th minute Scotland did make, and take, a superb opportunity. Ben Afshar took a quick tap penalty and when he was brought down, Paddy Harrison found a gap at the side of the ruck and sprinted under the posts for his third try in two games. Euan Cunningham added the conversion

Scotland’s discipline was letting them down, and in the 32^nd minute Josh Taylor was shown a yellow card for repeated infringements.

And Italy capitalised by scoring another maul try, which was this time finished off by Matteo Rubinato.

Scotland had the last chance of the first half as they were awarded a free kick just over five metres out which they quickly tapped, but possession was lost and the Italians went in ahead.

Half time: Scotland U20 7-15 Italy U20

Scotland continued to stay in the game and managed the rest of the sin bin period well, conceding no further points.

An opportunity from deep was created after a turnover at a lineout, but as Duncan Munn looked for space in behind his kick went out on the full.

Italy secured the bonus point in the 66^th minute, again from a driving maul. This time it was Tommaso Scramoncin who grounded the ball.

The host nation’s fifth try came in the 73^rd minute. Another maul as formed near the Scotland try line and Giovanni Cenedese broke free and scored.

A sixth try was scored by Italy with just over three minutes remaining. This time the maul was brought down short but from the next phase Scramoncin bagged his second.

Scotland had the last attack of the match as Christian Townsend kicked a penalty to the corner, and Andy Stirrat barged his way over from seven yards with Townsend adding the conversion.

Full time: Scotland U20 14-34 Italy U20

Scotland: 15. Gabe Jones 14. Ross McKnight 13. Duncan Munn 12. Andy Stirrat 11. Kerr Johnston 10. Euan Cunningham 9. Ben Afshar 1. Iain Carmichael 2. Patrick Harrison 3. Gregor Scougall 4. Josh Taylor 5. Max Williamson 6. Liam McConnell 7. Rhys Tait CAPTAIN 8. Ollie Leatherbarrow

Substitutes: 16. Duncan Hood 17. James Lascelles 18. Ali Rogers 19. Jake Spurway 20. Rudi Brown 21. Finlay Burgess 22. Christian Townsend 23. Keiran Clark 24. Matthew Deehan 25. Gregor Hiddleston 26. Ben Salmon (Stirling County)

Italy: 15. Lorenzo Pani 14. Alessandro Gesi 13. Francois Carlo Mey 12. Filippo Lazzarin 11. Federico Cuminetti 10. Giovanni Sante 9. Sebastiano Battara 1. Riccardo Bartolini 2. Lapo Frangini 3. Valerio Bizzotto 4. Alessandro Ortombina 5. Alex Mattioli 6. Filippo Lavorenti 7. Matteo Rubinato 8. Ross Vintcent

Substitutes: 16. Tommaso Scramoncin 17. Luca Rizzoli 18. Riccardo Genovese 19. Francesco Ruffolo 20. Carlos Berlese 21. Filippo Bozzoni 22. Nicolo Teneggi 23. Dewi Passarella 24. Giulio Marini 25. Giovanni Cenedese 26. Tomasso Simoni