Scotland clash 'not ideal' says Italy boss

RUGBY Gonzalo Quesada has braced his Italy side for a laser-focused Scotland to pitch up in Rome for Saturday's Guinness Six Nations opener.

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The Azzurri head coach admitted a Stadio Olimpico showdown with the wounded Scots would not have been his preferred choice to kick off the championship.

Gregor Townsend's side lost on their previous visit to the Eternal City two years ago, while they have also come under fire after a disappointing autumn campaign in which they lost their two showpiece November Tests at home to New Zealand and Argentina despite being in strong positions in both.

"I don't know if it's the ideal game because Scotland lost a couple of games they shouldn't lose," said Quesada ahead of his third Six Nations in charge of Italy.