Italy awoken from slumber and hungry for more after win over Scotland

Italy celebrated a rare Six Nations success in Rome with a 31-29 win over Scotland on Saturday but unlike previous false dawns, this could be the beginning of something special.

Fans at Stadio Olimpico had not witnessed an Italy win since 2013, and the Italian anthem was sung as passionately as ever on Saturday by the visibly emotional players and an expectant sold-out stadium.

"Dov'e la Vittoria?" is a line from the anthem, asking "Where is Victoria?", the Roman goddess who represented the ideals of success. But "vittoria" also translates as "victory", and "where is the victory?" is a question on Italian minds of late.

Two weeks ago Italy were left frustrated when they let victory over France slip from their grasp, with the contest ending in a draw after Paolo Garbisi missed a penalty.

On Saturday when Italy were awarded a penalty against Scotland, there was almost a feeling of deja vu as Garbisi stepped up and the ball again slipped from the tee - as was the case against France.

But this time the flyhalf slotted it over and jogged away with a wry smile.

"At least today the stadium was open, because dropping it in a closed stadium was really a world record," Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada joked at a press conference.

"Paolo is a true leader, his smile after the transformation, that seemed to be a replica of the one in Lille, is emblematic of the strength of his character."

Where once, early leads were thrown away late on, this time Italy came from behind to win.

A penalty would have allowed Scotland to steal the win, and they piled on late pressure with phase after phase but Italy held out, as did their discipline.

"From the field those phases seemed more, certainly to have defended so long without committing a foul is something