Scotland have misplaced solely certainly one of their previous 15 matches towards Italy, however that got here on their final go to to the Stadio Olimpico in 2024.

That was one other Scottish second-half collapse because the hosts got here from behind to win 31-29.

Townsend will not be underestimating the Italians because the Scots intention to begin properly earlier than dealing with England at Murrayfield and Wales in Cardiff.

“It is a powerful one to play away from house towards a staff that is been greater than aggressive,” Townsend mentioned.

“We have had some actual powerful battles with them. They beat us in Rome two years in the past. They’re getting sell-outs in that stadium now. It is a actually noisy environment.

“They’ve a cohesive staff and gamers who’ve performed collectively for quite a few years, actual gifted people. We all know it is a very powerful sport.

Earlier than he brings up his century, Townsend says he by no means anticipated to be within the job this lengthy, whereas insisting his starvation for the function stays.

He additionally performed down a report suggesting he has agreed to take over at Newcastle Crimson Bulls after the 2027 World Cup.

The 52-year-old added: “I keep in mind once I first bought into teaching and particularly once I grew to become a head coach at Glasgow, I assumed: ‘I am loving this. I will give it the whole lot and if it does not work out, it isn’t meant to be’.

“I’ve tried to have that mindset on a regular basis. It’s one thing I really like doing, however I simply really feel so privileged and fortunate to have had the chance after the taking part in profession.

“To get 9 seasons and to be coming into 100 [matches in charge], it is above what I might have anticipated or dreamed of.”