Russell Garcia secured his first win as new interim Scotland coach thanks to a 3-0 victory against Italy in the first of two Test matches in Stirling – however it was far from convincing.

Scotland peppered the Italian’s goal but struggled to convert numerous chances despite Mark Ralph’s double and Chris Grassick’s late strike seeing them home.

Gavin Byers had the first chance for the Scots but his shot was too weak before a Grassick cross eluded the diving Stephen Dick in the 22nd minute.

Kenny Bain then wasted a penalty corner before Ralph finally opened the scoring thanks to an overtime penalty corner won by Michael Christie.

Garcia’s troops were better after the restart but still couldn’t double the advantage with Alan Forsyth creating space but lofting a shot wide.

However it fell to Ralph to find the roof of the net for the second time before a Wei Adams mistake gifted the Italians an opportunity to hit back.

Nothing came of it and Grassick had the final say powering home a low shot in the last move on the game to make the score 3-0.