Scotland were left shell-shocked in Rome on Saturday afternoon, as Italy won a Six Nations game on home soil for the first time in 11 years.
After encouraging performances in the past two editions of the tournament, Scotland would have hoped to take the next step and fully contend for Six Nations glory this year, but defeat to Italy - their second of the tournament so far - was a massive blow for Gregor Townsend's side.
What would have been even more disappointing was the manner in which the game was lost.
Scotland found themselves six points up at half-time and had led by as much as 12 points late in the first half. They were ultimately left unable to muster a response once Italy fought their way back into the game in the second half.
Though they may have found reason to feel hard done by in their round two defeat to France, there was little injustice in Scotland's defeat in Rome, and fans were fuming after the final whistle blew.
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Scotland fans in disbelief after historic loss to Italy in Rome
As Italian fans were swept up by a remarkably emotional win on Saturday afternoon, Scottish fans were left bemoaning their team's frustrating form in this year's Six Nations.
Aside from the victory over England in round three, even the performances have been disappointing from Scotland, with Townsend's side lucky to hold on in their opening game against Wales in Cardiff.
With Ireland still to come on the closing weekend, there is every chance Scotland could finish this tournament with three defeats from five games, and their fans were livid at full-time on Saturday.
Reacting on Twitter after the defeat to Italy, some Scotland fans suggested it was time to make a change at the top.
Dreadful. After we went two tries up we should have controlled that game. Instead headless chicken stuff. Defence in the 22 was awful. Time to change the coach
— Pippa Musgrave (@PippaMusgrave1) March 9, 2024
Well done Italy, but that was awful from Scotland I have to say. The forwards need to take a long hard look at themselves, plus our discipline and game management was really poor. We've thrown away a potentially good championship. Prepare for a few days of massive criticism
— Peter Elder 🏴 (@PeterElder74) March 9, 2024
Giving Townsend a new contract before the World Cup sums up the Dodson era perfectly. Dream run of games and 3 wins from 4 was the bare minimum expectation. Pathetic, absolutely beyond pathetic.
— Glen 🏴🇨🇭 (@SilverSaltire) March 9, 2024
Embarrassing beyond belief. Our best chance ever at a Six Nations title and a Grand Slam and we've bottled it as usual. https://t.co/qpPK8TJ8tZ
— Bhoy in Red 🇵🇸 (@BhoyinRed) March 9, 2024
Virgin Media's punditry team were keen to be fair to Italy, saying that their victory was not solely down to Scotland's disappointing performance, and asserting that they had earned their historic win.
Nonetheless, Matt Williams would ask questions of Scotland's mentality, as they are now left scratching their heads to how they have lost half of their games thus far in the Six Nations.
After a similarly disappointing showing in last year's World Cup, a period of reflection would appear to be in store for Gregor Townsend and his coaching team.
Scotland face Ireland on the final weekend of the Six Nations hoping to restore some pride after Saturday's shock defeat.
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