"One of the best" - Italy boss Gonzalo Quesada praises Scotland's Gregor Townsend ahead of Rome clash

This fixture has shifted in tone over the past two championships. Italy beat Scotland 31–29 in Rome in 2024 to lift the Cuttitta Cup, a landmark win that formed part of a breakthrough Six Nations under Quesada. A year later Scotland responded with a 31–19 victory at Murrayfield, restoring some balance but underlining that this contest is no longer predictable.

Quesada, appointed in mid 2023 and in charge since the start of 2024, has overseen a clear change in Italy’s outlook. His first Six Nations brought a draw away to France, a first in Italy’s history, followed by wins over Scotland and Wales. Italy finished fifth but avoided the wooden spoon and did so playing with belief and bite. Last year was more uneven, highlighted by a heavy home defeat to France, but a win over Wales again kept momentum ticking over.

Consistency is the next step, as Quesada made clear at last week’s Six Nations launch in Edinburgh.

“We have the main goal of trying to achieve a bit more consistency because we know we are a little behind in a lot of things compared to the other five nations of this tournament, but we focus more on what we have than what we are lacking,” he said. “We are really happy with the results of two years ago, some of last year but we want to make sure that we perform consistently.”

Italy’s defensive edge has become a cornerstone, paired with a willingness to play with ambition.

“We have shown that without the ball we are a team that can show a lot of passion and heart when we defend, and that's part of the identity that we want from our Latin-Italian team,” Quesada said. “On the other hand, because we have less chance of winning than other teams, we want to keep on having exciting rugby to watch, inspiring Italian kids to come to rugby.”

Scotland’s recent struggles from a poor autumn campaign that included them throwing away a 21-point lead against Argentina at Murrayfield have not gone unnoticed, but Quesada does not believe they weaken the visitors.

“In November, the results were not there, and we can feel that there's a bit of pressure on Scotland now, so we know that they're going to come super motivated with a forbidden defeat in Rome, they cannot lose their first game in Rome,” he said.

His respect for Gregor Townsend’s side is clear.

“I know Gregor Townsend really well, I think he is one of the best coaches in the world and I can say that I really follow Scotland in detail,” Quesada added. “I think they were really unlucky with the results in November. Of course they were disappointed after losing two years ago so I'm afraid that this won't be a negative pressure, this will be a determined team.”

Italy may again have one eye on Wales later in the championship, but another statement in Rome would further confirm that this opening weekend is no longer a free pass for anyone.