Andrea Marcato’s last-minute drop goal ensured Italy ended the 2008 Six Nations on a winning note, as they triumphed 23-20 to condemn Scotland to their fourth defeat this year.
But Frank Hadden’s men avoided a second successive wooden spoon by the skin of their teeth as Italy needed to beat them by five points to finish fifth in the table.
Sportinglife reports that after conceding a penalty try early on, Scotland scored two tries in 20 minutes through Ally Hogg and Mike Blair.
That was more than they had scored in the previous seven matches but they failed to build on it and Gonzalo Canale dived over for Italy on the hour before Marcato’s heroics.
Despite the encouraging first-half spell, Chris Paterson’s late penalty – his 33rd successful kick in a row for his country – were the only points Scotland scored after the break as they squandered a seven-point lead.
Speaking within minutes of the full-time whistle, Scotland flanker Alasdair Strokosch told BBC1: “We’re absolutely gutted.
“We started the tournament badly but felt we progressed with every game up to the England match (Scotland won 15-9). We hoped to build on that here.
“It was a solid performance in the first half but we took our foot off the gas I think.”
With time to reflect, Hadden insisted there were positives to be taken.
He said: “Not only did we dominate the game but we controlled it.
“Had we gotten a try or taken advantage of our chances we could have recorded our best win in Italy.
“But sadly it wasn’t to be, the penalty count was frustrating for us.”
Italy coach Nick Mallett gave no significance to his team finishing with the wooden spoon.
He said: “It doesn’t bother me at all.
“I don’t see the importance of that because this competition is played to win and if not to improve and that’s what we have tried to do.”
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I think that is the most happy i have ever seen Nick Mallet.
I thought he only turned that red when he was extremely upset.
Well Done Mr Mallet.
Sheez time flies.
Italy have played 9 seasons of 6 Nations already 😯
It feels like a season or three ago that they joined.
Their 1st win in the 6 nations was also against Scotland at this same venue.
It was also their first match in the 6N.
6 wins in the 9 years
4 Against Scotland. (Guess that classifies them as being a bit of a bogey team for the Scots)
The other 2 wins were against Wales.
do you think this makes up for all 6 ferrari engines failing to finish the aussie GP
Probably not
🙁
That was not a very happy race this morning. 🙁
Who do you support in F1?
At least the Ferrari shunted the Scot out the way this morning as well.
Coultard was not a happy puppy.
And then he sommer goes and swears while being interviewed 😆
no one really…. i think the hamilton and mcClaren combo is in a class of it’s own, but expect raikkennen and ferrari to make a showing
he he, grumpy old man Coultard, must have spent the winter in scotland
Morning friends
Hey Rob
g’mornin rob, how good was Burden yesterday
I still need to watch the second half. Just logged on quickly to download the match.
Spyker
Can I answer that?
NOT as good as i expected.
We were having a torrid time in the LO’s with the ball being thrown right over the top on more than jsut a few occasions.
His play in the loose was pretty good.
ok… download started.
I’ll be back to chat a little later, chaps.
yeah i saw that, but on watching a replay of the game i was under the impression he got his throws right more often than not… maybe the 2 Keegan throwers were botching it up 😆
the scrum stood up as well… i was impressed by his all round showing
thanks for the chat KSA, gotta go, cheers
Cheers
See you around.
Great job Mallet…
The Italians were not beaten by loads of points and came off with a victory…
Next step to get off the bottom of the log….
Italy did not deserve to win. The Scots just threw it away. Leading 17-10 and depp in the Italian territory they got an incredible interception exactly what the Italian needed to lift their meagre and bad afternoon.
Actually the Italians are a half squad and the Scots are very poor…
HO
Gary player has a very good saying
He says: ” The more I practice the luckier I get” 😉