<p>They enter this game on Sunday, February 8, at 02:10 AEDT as the clear favourites to win, but where is the potential betting value in the markets available?</p> <p>Let's explore where we think there could be potentially more on offer as we preview this game and make our Italy vs Scotland betting predictions…</p> <h2>Quick Picks</h2> <p><strong>Our pick</strong>: Scotland to win</p> <p><strong>Value bet</strong>: Scotland -9.5 handicap line market</p> <p><strong>Long shot</strong>: Scotland to win by 1-7 points</p> <h2>Betting Preview</h2> <p>Italy are huge underdogs in this game, predominantly because of the poor record that they have against Scotland in recent Six Nations matches. However, it's worth noting that Italy's 33-man squad features a young core and a couple of uncapped players, as they focus on development and competitiveness.</p> <p>In contrast, Gregor Townsend names an experienced 40-man squad for Scotland's first game of the 2026 Six Nations, widening the gap further and why their odds are as short as they are.</p> <p>Given the recent head-to-head record that is shared, the results have also shown that Scotland tend to find games comfortable, despite the surprise defeat in the 2024 edition of the competition:</p> <ul> <li>Feb 2025: Scotland 31-19 Italy</li> <li>Mar 2024: Italy 31-29 Scotland</li> <li>Mar 2023: Scotland 26-14 Italy</li> <li>Mar 2022: Italy 22-33 Scotland</li> <li>Mar 2021: Scotland 52-10 Italy</li> </ul> <h2>Betting Markets to Watch</h2> <p>The odds offered in the Scotland Line market (-9.5) are worth exploring in this matchup. Requiring a 10+ point win, this line aligns with their historical dominance, as they've won 27 of 38 H2H, averaging a 9.2 point margin overall.</p> <p>In recent games played in Rome, Scotland won by 17 in 2020 and by 11 in 2022. However, they lost narrowly in 2024, 31-29.</p> <p>As an extension and to potentially increase returns, it could be worth exploring the value offered in the winning margin market. Despite the loss, Scotland are more experienced than their Italian counterparts. Italy's team are rebuilding and features several inexperienced and uncapped players. The Scotland to win by 8-14 points market covers the handicap, while fitting with the closeness of how games have gone in Rome.</p> <h2>Our Prediction</h2> <p>Check the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-union/the-six-nations/italy-v-scotland-9905259">Italy vs Scotland betting odds</a> at Sportsbet.</p> <p>Our prediction is that Scotland win this match. Despite being shocked the last time they played in Rome, Scotland have a solid head-to-head record against Italy, who will also have to contend with their own inexperienced squad.</p> <p>The Scotland to win by a 1-7 points margin market can be considered a long shot that offers potential value if you think the game will be closer than the 8-14 points we think is likely. The last time they played in Rome, the game ended with an Italian victory by two points. Italy did beat Australia last year, so they do show signs of being able to compete, especially if Scotland start slow. For those looking to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-union/the-six-nations">bet on the Six Nations</a>, this fixture presents an intriguing opportunity.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-union/international-matches">Your complete guide to betting on international rugby union</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-union/european-champions-cup">Who's in the hunt to be crowned kings of European club rugby?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-rugby-championship">Everything you need to know about betting on the Rugby Championship</a></li> </ul>