Italy vs Scotland
Italy entertains Scotland at the Olympic Stadium in Rome for this fourth round match in the Guinness Six Nations. The home team are once again at the bottom of the table without a point while the visitors are in in fourth position with five points. The Italians lost their last match 57-6 to Ireland and the scoreline does not do justice to them. They had a player sent off but had to go to uncontested scrums thereby losing another player due to the strange rules of World Rugby. The 13 men battled hard but Ireland ran riot in the final 10 minutes scoring three tries.
TIP: Italy last won a Six Nations match in 2015 and coincidentally it was against Scotland. This match represents their best chance to end their winless streak in the Six Nations that stands at 35 matches. Scotland will be looking for some redemption after they were badly beaten 36-17 by France in their last match. The defeat effectively ended realistic hopes that they had of challenging for the title. They are eight points behind the leaders France and will need them to lose their last two matches while Scotland need to win their remaining matches which is very unlikely. The bookies have Scotland as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.05, Playabets 1.05 and Sunbet 1.07.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Italy vs Scotland
- Scotland have won the last ten matches between these sides.
- The last time Italy beat Scotland was in 2015.
Latest results for both teams
Italy lost their last match 56-7 to Ireland while the Scottish lost their last match 27-16 to France.
PREDICTION
The Scots will want a bonus point victory as they have enjoyed success over the Italians in their last 10 matches since 2015. They won the last match against the Italians by a record 42 points margin. Scotland will be weakened by the absence of Duhan van der Merwe who is suspended after being red carded in a Premiership match. The Italians will at least look to improve their discipline which has been shocking in the first three games. Their attack has looked blunt and they will be looking to flyhalf Paolo Garbisi to produce some magic. I am predicting a Scottish win by less than 20 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Italy
15 Edoardo Padovani, 14 Pierre Bruno, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 12 Leonardo Marin, 11 Montanna Ioane, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Toa Halafihi, 7 Michele Lamaro (captain), 6 Giovanni Pettinelli, 5 Federico Ruzza, 4 Niccolo Cannone, 3 Pietro Ceccarelli, 2 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 1 Danilo Fischetti.
Scotland
15 Stuart Hogg (c), 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Sam Johnson, 11 Kyle Steyn, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ali Price, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Rory Darge, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Sam Skinner, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Scotland victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.05
Playabets 1.05
Sunbet 1.07
Odds comparison on the Italy handicap :
The complete odds on the Italy handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+19.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+19.5) 1.92
Playabets (+18.5) 1.92
Predictions and Odds in details
Italy will feel this is their best opportunity to finally break their 35 match win drought in this competition. Scotland will be playing under pressure after losing their last two matches and could be vulnerable especially if the Italians get a good start. There are poor odds on the Scottish win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+19.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+19.5) 1.91 and Playabets (+18.5) 1.92
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
