Johnnie Beattie: 'Italy are favourites for Scotland clash'

Scotland flanker Johnnie Beattie has said that Italy are the favourites when they take on his side in the Six Nations on Saturday afternoon.

Italy opened their Six Nations account with a 23-18 victory over France last week, but have won just once away from home in the competition's history.

Beattie has claimed that Scotland will be the underdogs when they face Italy at Murrayfield.

"We've seen the level of performance that Italy have put together over the last few years," he told BBC Sport.

"We've come off the back of a disappointing performance against England and Italy beat France.

"In my eyes, France were pre-tournament favourites, so we are definitely the underdogs for this game."

Scotland were defeated 38-18 by England in their opening match of the tournament.