Scotland Under-20s suffer all too familiar Six Nations feeling as Italy prevail

Murray’s youngsters defeated in tournament opener

Scotland Under-20s began their 2025 Six Nations campaign with the all too familiar feeling of defeat as they went down 22-10 to their Italian counterparts at Hive Stadium.

Kenny Murray's youngsters competed reasonably well with the visitors, trailing 7-5 at the break, but Italy turned on the gas in the second half and came out worthy winners.

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Scotland remain winless in this sphere since an 18-17 win over Wales two years ago and will look to respond when they take on Ireland away next weekend - a side that thumped them 36-0 in last season's competition.

Scotland started well and landed the first try - albeit unconverted - of the game when Dungannon flanker Billy Allen crossed the whitewash on 18 minutes. But Italy responded on the half-hour mark with a try of their own through Federico Zanandrea, converted by Roberto Fasti.

Scotland's Kerr Yule is stopped in his tracks by Italy.Scotland's Kerr Yule is stopped in his tracks by Italy.
Scotland's Kerr Yule is stopped in his tracks by Italy. | SNS Group / SRU

After the break, Niccolo Beni grabbed an unconverted try on 45 minutes and then Italy put clear daylight between themselves and the Scots when highly-regarded Northampton Saints back Edoardo Todaro went over, with Fasti this time converting on 61 minutes.

Scotland replacement Oliver Duncan pulled an unconverted try back on 71 minutes to reduced the arrears to nine points, but Fasti had the final say two minutes from time with a penalty.

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Last night, England opened the under-20s Six Nations with a 19-3 win over Ireland, while France are at home to Wales tomorrow.

Scotland are back at the Hive next Saturday when they take on Ireland (7.45pm kick-off).

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