England’s worst nightmares became reality as Italy recorded a historic 23-18 Six Nations victory at the Stadio Olimpico, beating them for the first time.
Tasked with rising from the ruins in Rome after successive defeats to Scotland and Ireland, England’s Six Nations slump plunged to new depths on a famous night for Italian rugby.
England looked on course to return to winning ways after first‑half tries from Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck, along with two second‑half penalties from Fin Smith.
But the contest swung on the sin‑binning of captain Maro Itoje, with Leonardo Marin scoring the decisive try as Italy added the prized scalp of England to their opening‑round victory over Scotland.
The win lifts Italy above England into fourth place in the Six Nations table and keeps them in contention for a top‑three finish for the first time.
With a trip to title‑chasing France awaiting in round five, second‑bottom England are staring at their worst‑ever Six Nations campaign – a result that will prompt further searching questions about their direction under Steve Borthwick.
More to follow.
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