Further tries from wing Damian Hoyland and captain Jonny Gray , either side of one from Italy's Maxime Mbanda' , secured the win with outside centre Michele Campagnaro's score at the death little more than a consolation.

Italy, who were defeated in Sicily by France last week, took the lead through an Edoardo Padovani penalty but were soon trailing 7-3 when Allan crossed and converted.

Hoyland burst over the whitewash with the interval looming only to be held up but Allan did extend the lead to 10-3 with his first penalty of the game.

The second half began in similar fashion with Allan adding to his haul via a second successful penalty.

Scotland were then handed a man advantage when Marcello Violi was sent to the sin bin and Allan fired over his final penalty of the night.

The home side extended their lead when Hoyland went over following a flowing move and replacement Alex Hagart added the extras.

Mark Bennett twice went close to scoring as Scotland increased the pressure but from their first serious threat Mbanda' dragged Italy back into the contest, with Filippo Buscema converting to make the score 23-10.

However the comeback was short lived as captain Gray's converted try restored the 20-point cushion.

Italy did have the final word on the contest when Campagnaro went over at the death but it failed to prevent Scotland leapfrogging their visitors in the table.