Stand-off Gordon Ross put on a good kicking display

McGeechan will take much from the performance of young scrum-half Mike Blair and new cap Simon Danielli, who were among the Scots' try scorers in the 47-15 win.

The other tries came from Jason White, James McLaren, Gordon Ross, and Brendan Laney. Ross kicked two conversions and three penalties and Chris Paterson two conversions.

"I was pleased that just about everything we tried went to plan," said McGeechan.

"I'm really happy about the attitude and the commitment of the players on the field.

We had made progress during the tour of South Africa and it was important not to let things slip Scott Murray Scotland captain

"It was good, too, to see new players coming into the side and understanding precisely what they had to do.

"We've now got strength in depth."

Scott Murray was given the captain's armband and the lock, who won his 50th Scotland cap, was also pleased with the performance.

"The guys put their bodies on the line for their country in tough conditions - and got what they deserved," said Murray.

Scotland 47-15 Italy

"We had made progress during the tour of South Africa and it was important not to let things slip.

"Italy are a massive and physical team and they were hard to stop, but we did it very well and made the most of our chances."

Italy's best moments came from their pick-and-drive forward game but, behind the scrum, it was a mistake-ridden performance.

Scrum-half Mike Blair enjoyed an excellent match

The only back to score was winger Nicola Mazzucato, who added to an earlier effort by flanker Scott Palmer.

Flyhalf Ramiro Pez kicked one conversion and a penalty.

"We made things much more difficult for ourselves by conceding so many penalties - 19 in all," said Italy coach John Kirwan.

"Scotland took the game wide and, in the event, our defence was found wanting. I felt that Italy were much poorer today than they were in the Six Nations championship.

"Our decision-making was poor and many of the basics need improving. Worryingly the players tired towards the end, but we still have six weeks before the start of the World Cup."