Italy Secures Historic Victory
“We felt tension before the game. We felt this game was close. We were nervous. Our confidence built during the game. We stuck together as a wall in defense,” said Italy’s captain Michele Lamaro after the match.
On March 7, 2026, Italy triumphed over England with a score of 23-18 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, marking their first victory against England in Six Nations history. This win is particularly significant as Italy had never beaten England in a rugby international since joining the Six Nations in 2000.
Italy’s success was bolstered by the impeccable performance of Paolo Garbisi, who successfully converted five penalty kicks throughout the match. The victory ended England’s 12-match winning streak, as they faced their third consecutive defeat.
Prior to this match, England had maintained a dominant record against Italy, with a win-loss tally of 32-0 since the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Historically, England averaged 36.2 points at the Stadio Olimpico, making Italy’s win even more remarkable.
England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, expressed his disappointment, stating, “We are gutted. For 60 minutes, we are in control and those two sin-bins hurt us. Discipline is a significant factor, it is something we have to improve.” England received two yellow cards during the match, which proved costly.
England’s player Maro Itoje reflected on the team’s struggles, saying, “If we knew we wouldn’t be in this position. We have to stick together. Teams go through tough periods and we are going through a tough period now.”
This match not only highlights Italy’s growth in the sport but also raises questions about England’s current form as they navigate a challenging phase in their campaign.
As the Six Nations continues, both teams will look to regroup and address their respective challenges moving forward.
