Scotland's Guinness Six Nations hopes suffered an early setback in rain-soaked Rome as Italy claimed a deserved 18-15 opening-round victory.

The hosts made a fast start, racing into a 12-point lead as Scotland struggled to settle making error after error in the wet conditions. Italy struck with their first attack through Louis Lynagh, before Tommaso Menoncello finished down the left after further defensive lapses.

Jack Dempsey powered over to pull Scotland back into the contest, but Paolo Garbisi's penalty ensured Italy led by eight at the break.

With the pitch deteriorating and errors mounting, the second half became a scrappy battle. Finn Russell and Garbisi exchanged penalties before Scotland were reduced to 14 men when George Turner was yellow-carded.

A late try from replacement scrum-half George Horne cut the deficit to three, but Italy kept their composure in the closing stages, doing the simple things well to see out a hard-earned win.