Scots to play Italy for Cuttitta Cup in Rome

Scotland and Italy will play for a new trophy when they meet in the fourth round of the Six Nations in Rome on Saturday.

The winners will be presented with the Cuttitta Cup to celebrate the contribution of Massimo Cuttitta to both nations.

The former Italy captain and Scotland scrum coach died of Covid 11 months ago at the age of 54.

The trophy, made by Edinburgh

jewellers Hamilton & Inches, will be contested for the first time when Italy and Scotland meet at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.

Massimo, inset, won 70 caps for Italy in a ten-year Test career from 1990, captaining his country on 22 occasions.

When he retired as a player, he worked as a scrum consultant with Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors before becoming Scotland scrum coach from 2009-2015.

“When Massimo passed away, it was evident how highly regarded he was whether in Italy, Scotland or beyond, as a scrum technician but above all, as a selfless, warm and compassionate human being,” said Mark Dodson, Scottish Rugby’s chief executive.

“Massimo was a big man, who made a big impression on the people fortunate enough to meet him. “We wanted there to be something tangible by which Massimo could be rem embered and we were delighted to put forward a trophy in his honour.”

Marzio Innocenti, president of the Italian Rugby Federation, said: “Massimo has been a great servant of Italian rugby during his time with the Azzurri jersey and, as a scrum coach, his ability to innovate such a key area of the game made him a magnificent ambassador for our rugby beyond the borders.”

Cuttitta’s twin brother, Marcello, himself an international winger, added: “Massimo loved Scotland. He loved the Scottish people. There’s always a story behind sporting trophies and to think that in 100 years’ time, people will hear the story of Massimo when they see this trophy is quite incredible.”

To mark his contribution to the scrum, the cup’s design incorporates a loosehead prop on one handle and a tighthead on the other.

There is now a trophy available for each of Scotland’s five Six Nations matches.