STUART HOGG RACED in an 80-metre breakaway try to shatter the Italian challenge at Murrayfield.
New boss Scott Johnson was a happy chap on the sidelines as the final whistle blew to confirm a dominant 34-10 victory.
Tim Visser was denied a certain try down the right wing after just four minutes when a ball bounced unkindly as the Dutchman seemed set to pounce.
Greig Laidlaw slotted over penalties on 15 and 28 minutes to give the home side a 6-0 lead against an Italian team that were struggling to match that delivered a win over France, in Rome, last weekend.
Scottish centre Matt Scott was the next to go close but he was hauled out of play just a yard short of the tryline on the left flank.
Visser, the top try scorer in the Pro12 this season, took advantage of a two-man advantage on the short-side of a Scottish ruck.
The winger stepped inside the covering Tobias Botes and crashed over. Laidlaw added the extras.
There was brief respite, and hope, for Italy before the break as Luciano Orquera converted a penalty effort.
The second-half began woefully for the visitors, however, as Scott raced free for a try, which Laidlaw converted for a 20-3 lead.
Stuart Hogg, the Scottish fullback, then virtually booked his Lions spot to Australia with an 80-metre sprint in for a wonderful try. Laidlaw, larer named the BBC man of the match, made it 27-3 and thus the score remains after 56 minutes.
Sean Lamont raced over for his ninth international try, and his side’s fourth, after 70 minutes. The extras were added to make it 34-3.
Alessandro Zanni was one of the better Italians on display this afternoon and tricked over on 74 minutes to give the scoreboard a twinge of respectability.
Meanwhile in Ashbourne, the Ireland Women’s team sensationally beat reigning champs, England 25-0.
