Scotland, ranked fifteenth in the world, took on Italy (seventeenth) in the second Group B fixture with the opportunity that a big win from either side could see them top the group after Australia only managed a thirty-four-point win over Fiji last night.

The sides have met twice previously with Scotland winning one and the other ending in a draw, the win being Scotlands record 104-0 win in 2009 European Cup, the other being a 30-30 draw in the group stages of the Word Cup in 2013.

Scotland had been handicapped by twelve points on the coupon, but with little to go on as to how the two sides would settle, it was a very difficult game to call. Both sides needed to win to give themselves any chance of finishing in the top two, the competition would be as good as over for today’s losing side.

After getting a penalty for a dangerous tackle, Scotland breached the Italy line after five minutes with Calum Gahan going close but losing the ball in the tackle on the line. Scotland collected the ricochet and grounded, but the video referee agreed with the on-field decision and disallowed the try.

A fantastic and spectacular effort from Luke Poiselli in chasing down a Radean Robinson kick and somehow managing to get it on the ground before the dead ball line saw Italy get a breakthrough in the game, as they took a 4-0 lead. Jack Campagnolo added the conversion to extend the lead.

Four back-to-back penalties for Scotland saw them march downfield but Italy´s defence doubled down and managed to keep them at bay.

After absorbing the pressure, it was Italy who registered a second try with Dean Parata scooting from acting half back and reaching for the line to score by the left post pad. Campagnolo was again on target with the kick for a 12-0 lead on twenty-four minutes.

It was a bombed nailed on third try for Italy as they went in down the left side after delightful hands, but Jake Maizen lost the ball on the line when all he had to do was take the catch and touch down unopposed.

On thirty-six minutes Dale Ferguson was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, the Scots now up against it as half time approached.

Four minutes after the restart Scotland´s worries deepened as Maizen made amends for his first half error as he carried two Scottish defenders over the line with him to ground in the corner. Campagnolo had his most difficult conversion of the afternoon but converted brilliantly from the touchline.

Ryan Brierley halted a certain try from Daniel Atkinson with a great last-ditch tackle ten from his own line, but two tackles later Maizen received the pass to go over in the corner for his second inside five minutes. Campagnolo showed that he was human as his kick shaved the outside of the post.

As they pushed for some much-needed points the errors from the Bravehearts started to mount.

Maizen completed his debut hat-trick with six minutes remaining as he took the ball ten from his own line and pinned back his ears to sprint down the wing to outpace the Scottish chasers and go over in the corner. Campagnolo was on target with the boot.

Late consolation on seventy-six from Lachlan Walmsley as he took a pass from Aitken and came inside the Italian winger to ground from five metres out. Brierley was unable to add the extras, Italy the victors by 28-4.

For the second time in the opening three games of the tournament it was the underdogs who sprang a surprise and took the victory from the favourites. Italy were good value for their win but still have plenty of room for improvement, counting a handful of wasted chances as their missed opportunities. Scotland´s World Cup is effectively over; Italy will now focus on their game against Fiji knowing that a win would take them through the group stages. Italy´s first ever win over Scotland couldn´t have come at a more opportune moment.

Scotland: Brierley, Walmsley (T), Liu, Buchanan, Russell, Hayward, Gahan, Bayliss-Brow, Hood, Luckley, Aitken, Linnett, Bell. Subs: Schneider, Bain, Ferguson (SB on 36), Hellewell.

Italy: Polselli (T), Lepori, Natoli, Atkinson, Maizen (3T), Campagnolo (4G), Robinson, Moretti, Parata (T), Iaria, Santi, King, Brown. Subs: Tramontana, Hodge, Celerino, Colovatti.

Half-Time: 0-12.

Full-Time: 4-28.

Score Progression: 0-4, 0-6, 0-10, 0-12, (SB) : HT : 0-16, 0-18, 0-22, 0-26, 0-28, 4-28 : FT .

Lead Exchanges: Italy.

Referee: Todd Smith.

Attendance: 6,206 at Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle.