The defeat condemns Scotland to the wooden spoon and they only have themselves to blame ,having failed to build on the advantage given to them by Mike Doneghan's early try.

The hosts dominated possession and territory put were ultimately made to pay for four missed penalties by Mark Bennett.

The centre though was excellent in open play and it was brilliant break down the left that led to the opening try with Doneghan gratefully receiving his inside ball to go under the sticks.

Fellow centre Harry Leonard added the conversion to give Scotland an early 7-0 advantage.

Gennari reduced the deficit before Bennett missed the first of his kicks moments later.

His evening would get worse as his knock-on gave Italy an attacking opportunity from which Gennari kicked his second penalty to make the score 7-6.

Scotland finished the half strongly but again could not convert their superiority into points with another missed Bennett penalty.

A similar pattern continued in the second half as Stuart Edwards' shot at goal was also off target while they could not find their way through the Italian defence despite frequent trips to the Italian 22.

And they would be made to pay by the Italians when Gennari held his nerve heading into the game's closing quarter.

Still Scotland would pass up further chances to win it as Bennett's radar continued to malfunction as two further penalties went awry.