It was a poor display from Scotland - a backwards step from their showing against England - and they are now clear favourites for the championship Wooden Spoon.

"Italy played well, so congratulations to them," said Williams. "They tried very hard and their performance meant they deserved the victory. I was particularly pleased for [Italy coach] John Kirwan. Today proved what a good coach he is.

"I’m devastated by the result, but I felt we did a few good things out there. Our defence was well-organised and I felt we did a good job in keeping them out for most of the game.

"Problems still remain with our attack and go-forward. We created opportunities but didn’t take them once they arose, and there was a huge turnover of ball - you can’t do that if you want to win internationals.

"We were out-muscled by the Italians - we have to accept that and accept where we are as a team. In terms of physicality and experience we’re behind other sides in the tournament and that proves costly away from home."

This was just Italy’s third win in their brief Six Nations career - beating Scotland in Rome on their tournament debut in 2000, and edging past Wales 30-22 on home soil last year.

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