Scotland vs Italy predictions, betting tips and odds: Underrated Azzurri provide handicap value

Where to watch Scotland vs Italy

You can watch Scotland vs Italy on BBC One at 2.15 on Saturday, February 1

Scotland vs Italy best bet

Italy +18
1pt Evs general

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Scotland vs Italy odds

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Odds correct at time of publishing

Scotland vs Italy predictions

Injuries have been a talking point ahed of the Six Nations and Sione Tuipulotu's absence could cause real problems for Scotland. 

The centre's combination with Finn Russell helps shape the Scots' attack, and his influence as captain after being given the armband in the autumn appeared to end Gregor Townsend's search for a suitable leader.

So much so that Townsend has reverted to his previous co-captaincy model with fly-half Russell and flanker Rory Darge sharing the responsibility for Scotland's opener against Italy, hinting that the coach remains unsure how to proceed without his preferred skipper.

That uncertainty could prove problematic against a focused Italian side who beat the Scots 31-29 in Rome last year in a Six Nations campaign that also featured a draw in France and victory over Wales.

Gonzalo Quesada has coached Italy to become a more balanced sideCredit: Federugby

Azzurri head coach Gonzalo Quesada has built on the attacking blueprint established by his predecessor Kieran Crowley, combining offensive excitement with greater focus without the ball and a traditionally solid set-piece.

While Scotland lack leaders, Italy skipper Michele Lamaro is a gladiator and is ably supported by fellow forwards Giacomo Nicotera and Federico Ruzza.

Behind the scrum, former Scotland age-grade player Tommaso Allan's presence at full-back provides a superior goal-kicking option and a spare pair of playmaking hands to complement fly-half Paolo Garbisi, while Juan Ignacio Brex and last year's player of the tournament Tommaso Menoncello form a beautifully balanced centre partnership.

Therefore, it is surprising to see Scotland asked to concede a handicap in the mid-teens, especially with Tuipulotu absent and several of their squad reportedly carrying knocks.

With Russell pulling the strings, Townsend's team should eke out victory but Italy look to have been underrated by bookmakers, especially in the handicap markets.

More positive punters may wish to back the Azzurri with as little as a ten-point start but there is more than enough juice in backing the Italians with a 15-point start at 11-10.

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Scotland vs Italy team line-ups

Scotland: Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham, Huw Jones, Stafford McDowall, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell (co-capt), Ben White; Pierre Schoeman, Dave Cherry, Zander Fagerson, Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge (co-capt), Matt Fagerson.

Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Will Hurd, Gregor Brown, Jack Dempsey, George Horne, Tom Jordan, Kyle Rowe.

Italy: Tommaso Allan, Ange Capuozzo, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Monty Ioane; Paolo Garbisi, Martin Page-Relo; Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Simone Ferrari, Dino Lamb, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro (capt), Lorenzo Cannone.

Replacements: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Luca Rizzoli, Marco Riccioni, Niccolo Cannone, Manuel Zuliani, Ross Vintcent, Alessandro Garbisi, Simone Gesi.

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