Quarter-century of heartbreak ends in Rome
A nation's rugby drought spanning a quarter of a century came to a dramatic end on Saturday when Italy toppled England 23 – 18 at a roaring Stadio Olimpico in Rome, shattering a devastating streak of 32 consecutive defeats against their opponents in the process.
That fortress crumbled spectacularly on 7 March 2026, thanks to electrifying tries from Tommaso Menoncello and Leonardo Marin, complemented by Paolo Garbisi's metronomic boot, which delivered two conversions and three penalties. England managed tries through Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck, with Fin Smith adding one conversion and two penalties, but it was never enough to silence the partisan crowd.
"Unfortunately, Italy has left its infancy behind and can now sit with the greats at the main table - it no longer has to keep quiet and be satisfied with the wooden spoon."
The Azzurri's transformation from perennial underdogs to genuine contenders has been built on a golden generation reaching peak form. Lorenzo Pani, Monty Ioane, Louis Lynagh, Juan Ignacio Brex, Menoncello, Garbisi, Lorenzo Cannone, Manuel Zuliani, Andrea Zambonin and Niccolò Cannone have all developed into formidable international operators, marshalled brilliantly by inspirational skipper Michele Lamaro. With two victories already secured this campaign, a win over Wales this coming Saturday would hand Italy an unprecedented three victories from five matches.
English discipline woes deepen crisis
While Italian rugby basks in its finest hour, England's campaign has descended into turmoil. A side that entered the tournament riding high on twelve consecutive victories now finds itself languishing second from bottom on just six points after four rounds, saved from the wooden spoon only by Wales's wretched form.
Ill-discipline has become the recurring nightmare haunting Steve Borthwick's squad. Sam Underhill and captain Maro Itoje both received yellow cards in Rome, adding to a damning charge sheet that already included yellows for Henry Pollock and Freddie Steward against Ireland, Henry Arundell's double yellow — subsequently upgraded to red — against Scotland, and cards for Itoje and Tom Curry during the opening fixture against Wales.
The situation could deteriorate further when England travel to Paris to face France this coming Saturday. Defeat would mark the first occasion the side has suffered four losses in a single Six Nations season, placing enormous pressure on both Borthwick and Itoje.
"It's an old, old problem that has reared its head again."
Scorers — Italy 23 (10): Tries: Tommaso Menoncello, Leonardo Marin. Conversions: Paolo Garbisi (2). Penalties: Garbisi (3). England 18 (12): Tries: Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck. Conversion: Fin Smith. Penalties: Smith (2).
