Scotland have hope of mounting a Six Nations title challenge as they embark on a fresh campaign against Italy. While optimism has been punctured somewhat by a string of untimely injuries, Gregor Townsend’s settled squad are confident that they can build on their development over the last few years and back up big performances to challenge for a long-awaited title.

We have reached the quarter century anniversary of Italy's championship debut and, after arriving with a bang with that emotional first victory over Scotland, the two countries meet again today in the first round of the 2025 Six Nations.

Scotland's Stafford McDowall will earn a ninth cap at inside centre in place of injured captain Sione Tuipulotu in an otherwise experienced backline to face Italy in their Six Nations opener at Murrayfield on Saturday.