Stadio Olimpico to host Scotland

The FIR had been in discussions with the Rome authorities over a potential move from the 30,000-seat Stadio Flaminio, which has proven to be a popular venue for the internationals since Italy first entered the championship in 2000 but has become increasingly restrictive as attendance levels have increased in recent seasons.

The Italians shifted an autumn Test against New Zealand to the San Siro, home to AC and Inter Milan, in 2009 and sold out the 80,000-capacity stadium. They had also threatened to move games back to the north of Italy, where rugby is more popular, after failing to win financial support from the government to rebuild the Stadio Flaminio, which is in need of major refurbishment inside and around the ground. However, Six Nations games are traditionally played in capital cities and so, it was revealed last night, that agreement has been reached between the Italian authorities for next year's Six Nations matches - Italy host England and Scotland - to remain in the Eternal City but be switched to the shared home of Rome's football sides, Lazio and Roma, to allow for the Stadio Flaminio to be redeveloped for an eventual return.

Rugby has been played in Turin's Olympic stadium but not in the Roman version, which has hosted Uefa and World Cup finals. England will be the first to play a Six Nations match there, facing Italy on 11 February, with Scotland entering the 72,698-capacity venue on 17 March. The switch is likely to lead to an increased number of English and Scottish fans making the trip to Italy next spring.

When the Italians were first granted entry to the championship, FIR president Giancarlo Dondi provided The Scotsman with a tour of the Stadio Olimpico and stated that he hoped that improvement by the Italian rugby team, on the field and in raising interest and support for rugby in the country, would one day lead to a move into Rome's largest stadium. That day appears to have arrived, at least temporarily.