Despite Andy Robinson making 14 changes to the side that squeezed past Ireland 10-6 a fortnight previously, centre Graeme Morrison the only survivor, Scotland started the game the brighter side.

Dan Parks put the side ahead with a penalty early on before good work from Max Evans allowed prop Dickinson to go over for his first international try.

It should have been much better for the home side who had the Italians pinned back in their 22 for most of the opening exchanges, only for poor handling to let them down.

And they were made to pay for it as the Azzurri scored following a scrum on their own five-metre line, Tommaso Benvenuti outpacing the Scotting defence to touch down, Mirco Bergamasco converting.

Bergamasco then missed a penalty before Parks showed him how it was done to give Scotland a 13-7 half-time lead.

But the visitors were soon just one point behind after the break as Fabio Semenzato broke through a weak Richie Vernon tackle to score, Bergamasco missing with the extras.

Scotland responded almost immediately however as Blair charged down Andrea Masi’s kick before charging over the line, Parks adding the extras.

Parks added three more points with a penalty but there was bad news for Nikki Walker in the final stages as the wing picked up a knee injury which could put his World Cup hopes in doubt.