Hadden "gutted" with defeat

Scotland coach reveals frustration after Italian late show

Last updated: 15th March 2008

hadden frank scotland v ireland

Hadden: Azzurri agony

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Scotland head coach Frank Hadden admitted his frustration and disappointment after his side went down to a last minute Andrea Marcato drop-goal in their final fixture of the RBS Six Nations campaign.

The 23-20 defeat was a bitter blow for the Scottish players and fans to take, but despite his obvious heartache - Hadden did take some positives from his side's display in the Stadio Flaminio.

"Not only did we dominate the game but we controlled it," said Hadden.

"Had we gotten a try or taken advantage of our chances we could have recorded our best win in Italy.

"But sadly it wasn't to be, the penalty count was frustrating for us.

"But credit to Sergio Parisse, a great player who intercepted the ball that led to the Gonzalo Canale's try."

Allister Hogg and Mike Blair scored first-half tries for Scotland, while Marcato was the hero for the hosts - notching 13 points as well as his last minute drop-goal.

"Italy are a very good side," added Hadden. "This is a tough place to play. It's never easy for any teams to win in Italy.

Optimism

"But we are gutted for our supporters. We thought we were very close to giving our fans a memorable win in Italy.

"It's just our quality and execution of the game in the second half wasn't that good and Italy were very disciplined."

Despite just one win in the tournament, against England, Hadden is looking to the future full of optimism.

"We've had to work very hard since the World Cup," he said.

"We've had lots of injuries but then I think we have improved over the tournament.

"I have a lot of optimism for this side, we have blooded some young players in the squad and we are not far away from making a serious impact in future competitions."

The win came as a huge relief for Italy coach Nick Mallett who clamed his first victory in charge of the Azzurri.

A poorer points difference ensured Italy picked up the wooden spoon, but Mallett was pleased with the win and unfazed by his side's final league position.

Mallett joy

"It doesn't bother me at all," said Mallett.

"I don't see the importance of that because this competition is played to win and if not to improve and that's what we have tried to do."

Mallett admitted it was not his team's best performance of the tournament but was satisfied with the second half display.

"This wasn't our best game. I think we played our best game against France," he said.

"But I am extremely happy and emotional because I have seen my players work very hard for this win.

"The second half was very good by my side, I am proud of the discipline shown by my team and Canale's try as well as how my team played in the last three minutes."