Six Nations 2026: England win helps ‘continue writing Italian history’

Before Saturday’s match in Rome, the Italy-England match was the most anticipated match of the Six Nations.

Italy has never beaten England in the tournament and has lost all 32 meetings in all competitions.

That miserable run finally ended with a hard-fought 23-18 win at a raucous Stadio Olimpico.

Steve Borthwick’s England team entered the match under pressure after successive dismal defeats, increasing Italy’s belief in causing a historic upset.

That’s what happened when the hosts took advantage of yellow cards from Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje in the second half to seal an emotional win in the final quarter.

Many players jumped into each other’s arms when the final whistle sounded, while others fell to the ground, affected by the enormity of the result.

Tommaso Minoncello cut straight through the England defense to score the first-half goal and worked his way down the wing to set up Leonardo Marin’s vital late effort, with Paolo Garbisi converting three penalties.

Captain Michel Lamaro told BBC Sport: “At the beginning of the match, there was a lot of tension, but I am really proud of the players.”

“It’s amazing that we continue to write Italian history. It’s something we’re proud of. We’re doing this to inspire Italian people to come and play for this team.”

The victory means they have now beaten all five of their Six Nations rivals since entering the competition in 2000. The full house comes seven years after the then Six Nations chief executive dismissed questions about whether Italy should remain part of the tournament after finishing with another wooden spoon.

At that point, Italy were ranked 15th in the world and had lost their last 17 Six Nations matches.

At the time, victory of any kind seemed unlikely, and victory over one of the tournament’s major powers required a near miracle.

In 2022, Garbisi knelt down and cried as his last-gasp conversion defeated Wales, ending Italy’s seven-year Six Nations losing streak.

A winless record followed with a record 18th Wooden Spoon in 2023, but a new crop of young talent has emerged.

The appointment of Argentine Gonzalo Quesada as head coach in 2024 marked a turning point, while Italy’s investment at Under-20 level and in its domestic teams has been reaping rewards.

Garbesi’s stoppage-time penalty that year hit the post to deny Italy their first Six Nations win in France, but they proved they could compete with and beat the best.

Victories over Scotland and Wales helped them secure their best season in terms of results, but Quesada’s side struggled against expectations last year and only beat Wales.

This was not the case this year.

The opening win over Scotland was backed by a run from Ireland – back-to-back champions in 2023 and 2024 – in Dublin, followed by a spirited performance in Lille against France.

And unlike the defeat to France in 2024, they controlled the game when it was on the line.

“It’s a very difficult process because you have to change the mentality,” Lamaro added due to the heightened expectations of his team.

“We are used to being the last and the underdog, but at the same time, we are building trust in each other, and that is the most important.”

Italy are now in a strong position to finish above England for the first time in the Six Nations, with their final fixture coming up against winless Wales on Saturday in Cardiff.

After earning two wins in 2024 for the first time since 2013, Quesada will be looking to pick up a third win to cap off its best season ever.

“Today’s win, with the expectation of beating an amazing England team, is a big step in our growth,” Quesada told ITV.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground and not get too excited – we have to keep going, but it is a great day for Italian rugby today.”