Scorso vs. ultimo
The Italian words 'scorso' and 'ultimo' both can be translated as 'last' in English, but they have subtle differences in usage and context.
Scorso
'Scorso' refers to the most recent occurrence in the past, typically used with time periods.
La settimana scorsa sono andato al cinema.
(Last week I went to the cinema.)
L'anno scorso abbiamo visitato Roma.
(Last year we visited Rome.)
Il mese scorso ho iniziato un nuovo lavoro.
(Last month I started a new job.)
Ultimo
'Ultimo' can mean 'last' in terms of the final item in a sequence, or the most recent in a series of events.
L'ultima volta che l'ho visto era a Natale.
(The last time I saw him was at Christmas.)
Ho letto l'ultimo libro della serie.
(I read the last book in the series.)
L'ultimo treno parte alle 23:00.
(The last train leaves at 11:00 PM.)
Summary
While 'scorso' is primarily used with time periods to indicate the most recent past occurrence, 'ultimo' has a broader application, referring to both the final item in a sequence and the most recent event. 'Scorso' is more specific to past time references, while 'ultimo' can be used in various contexts including time, order, and finality.