Rome, Italy – In a result that reverberated throughout the rugby world, Italy defeated England 23-18 on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This marks the first time in history that the Azzurri have overcome their English rivals, ending a 32-match losing streak dating back to their first encounter in 1991. The victory is a watershed moment for Italian rugby and throws the 2026 Six Nations Championship into further disarray.
For decades, the fixture between Italy and England has been largely one-sided. Prior to Saturday, England had consistently emerged victorious, with the closest Italy had approach to a win being a narrow three-point defeat in 2024. This historical dominance made Italy’s triumph all the more remarkable, and a testament to the growing strength and resilience of the Italian squad.
The match began with Paolo Garbisi putting Italy on the board with an early penalty. However, England, despite appearing physically stronger initially, responded with tries from Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck, taking a lead they would struggle to maintain. The second half proved to be a tense affair, with both sides exchanging penalties, keeping the scoreline tight.
The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute. A powerful surge from Monty Ioane and a brilliant run by Tommaso Menoncello created the space for Leonardo Marin to score the match-winning try. The stadium erupted as the Italian players celebrated a historic victory, a moment years in the making. Menoncello, who was named the best player in the 2024 tournament, proved instrumental in the build-up to the winning score.
England’s defeat is particularly damaging as they entered the 2026 Six Nations as strong contenders for the title, expected to challenge France for the championship. Now, with three consecutive losses – to Scotland, Ireland, and now Italy – Steve Borthwick’s position as head coach is under intense scrutiny. The team’s struggles are compounded by a disciplinary issue during the match, with both Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje receiving yellow cards, providing Italy with crucial opportunities to gain momentum.
Italy’s victory moves them to fourth place in the Six Nations standings with two wins – against Scotland and England. They are now assured of avoiding the wooden spoon, a fate that appears increasingly likely for Wales. This result signals a potential shift in the balance of power within the tournament, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of the Italian team.
The Azzurri’s success isn’t just about this single game. It’s a reflection of a sustained effort to develop the sport within Italy, fostering a new generation of talented players. The win over England provides a significant boost to the program and will undoubtedly inspire further investment and enthusiasm for rugby throughout the country.
England, meanwhile, faces a daunting challenge as they prepare for their final match against France in Paris on Saturday, March 14. Their championship hopes are all but extinguished, and Borthwick will be under immense pressure to deliver a performance that can salvage some pride from a disappointing campaign. The team will need to address their disciplinary issues and rediscover the form that made them pre-tournament favorites.
“Bravo to Italy, who have come a long way,” said England coach Steve Borthwick to British television channel ITV, acknowledging the Italian team’s impressive performance. The sentiment reflects a growing respect for the Azzurri and their ability to compete at the highest level.
What’s Next: England will travel to Paris to face France on March 14 in the final match of the 2026 Six Nations. Italy will enjoy their historic victory before preparing for their next international challenge.
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