Gregor Townsend is backing Scotland to bounce back from a demoralising 18-15 loss to Italy in their Six Nations opener at a sodden Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Italy raced into a 12-point lead in Rome, with Louis Lynagh latching onto Nacho Brex's grubber kick and then playing a crucial role in Tommaso Menoncello's try by claiming a high kick in Scotland territory.

The visitors, who take on England at Murrayfield next weekend, rallied as the rain poured down, and Jack Dempsey finally breached Italy's defence after some sustained pressure under the posts.

Scotland held firm with George Turner in the sin bin following an illegal clearout and George Horne gave them hope when he went over in the corner 13 minutes from time.

Finn Russell was unable to convert from an acute angle and Italy clung on for a second straight home Six Nations win over Scotland, taking their total number of victories against them to nine – more than they have managed against the four other nations combined.

Townsend, who was overseeing a record 41st Six Nations match as Scotland boss, told the BBC: "It is hugely disappointing to lose your first game in the tournament. It makes things tougher,"

"Obviously, the guys are very disappointed. The effort was there. A lot of what we trained was in place. We just gave away too many possessions.

"We just weren't able to score more points in the first half. It was extremely difficult in the second half but the effort the players put in was tremendous – just not enough to win the game.

"We shouldn't have let them get ahead. They got a couple of breakaway tries. We had opportunities we didn't take and then it made it tough after that.

"Of course, there'll be criticism for the result and the performance. I'm with my team. I was hugely proud of the effort they put in at the end, trying to find a way to win.

"It was really tough and we know we need to be better in that first 20 minutes.

"I believe in them, I believe in what we're doing. Today, it didn't happen and we're going to make sure it happens next week."

No one better to congratulate you!
A massive result #GuinnessM6N #Since1883 pic.twitter.com/7dwHcwmGeI

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 7, 2026

Italy's next assignment is a trip to Ireland on February 14 and their winning start already has captain Michele Lamaro dreaming of what they can achieve in the Six Nations this year.

"I think that shows how much we care for each other, how much we care for this jersey, for this country," said Lamaro.

"That last phase, I couldn't watch. Well done to the boys, fully deserved.

"I couldn't ask more [on my 50th cap] from the boys. It's been an absolute pleasure for me, an absolute honour to get this big achievement.

"We couldn't ask our team-mates to do more. Now we've got a dream in our head. We keep going on."