Scotland host Italy in the opening round of the Six Nations.

Gregor Townsend's Scotland are coming off the back of a positive autumn, where they defeated Australia, Portugal and Fiji, with star man Finn Russell leading the charge alongside electric winger Darcy Graham.

Italy's last Six Nations campaign was one to remember, beating Wales, Scotland and drawing against the mighty French. Due to this, they are on a three-game unbeaten streak in the competition under the leadership of Gonzalo Queseda - which is their longest ever streak.

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The formidable Duhan van der Merwe has been named to start for Scotland, and Italy will need to nullify him if they hope to keep the Scots out. The South African-born wide man was the top try-scorer in the 2024 edition alongside Dan Sheehan of Ireland.

Here's everything you need to know about the game.

When is Scotland v Italy?

Scotland v Italy kicks off at 2.15pm on Saturday, February 1 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

Viewing details

For viewers in the United Kingdom, Scotland v Italy is being shown live on BBC One. You can also live stream the game by using BBC IPlayer, but you will need both a TV licence and BBC account.

Coverage for this game starts at 1.15pm and concludes at 4.30pm.

Team news

Scotland XV: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, McDowall, van der Merwe; Russell, White; Schoeman, Cherry, Z Fagerson, J Gray, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Darge, M Fagerson.

Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Hurd, Brown, Dempsey, Horne, Jordan, Rowe.

Italy XV: Allan; Capuozzo, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, Page-Relo; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, Lamb, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, L Cannonne.

Replacements: Lucchesi, Rizzioli, Riccioni, N Cannone, Zuliani, Vintcent, A Garbisi, Gesi.

What have the coaches said?

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend: "I think it's a blow to the tournament and to our supporters that they don't see Sione (Tuipulotu) playing.

"But for the team you have to accept that injuries happen, and that's why you create depth over a longer period.

"And we have some really good [centres] in our squad that now have an opportunity that they probably didn't think was coming along, and we're backing them to go and grab that opportunity.

"We have some excellent players. So we have players that bring their own strengths to the group and we know that we have some real players of skill that can bring other players into the game, and the game that we want to play will mean that our wingers will get more touches of the ball. That's certainly the aim."

Italy head coach Gonzalo Queseda: “With the last Six Nations, we have certainly earned the respect of our opponents once again. We are ready to compete by putting our identity on the pitch and playing our game. Every match must become an opportunity to do something unique.

"Representing Italy in one of the most important sporting tournaments in the world is an honour. I always watched the tournament, even when I wasn't involved. I always witnessed an incredible level of play, atmosphere and passion."