ROME – In a result that reverberated across the rugby world, Italy defeated England 23-18 at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, March 8, 2026, securing their first-ever victory against their long-time rivals in the Six Nations Championship. The win, a dramatic comeback after trailing 18-10, has sent shockwaves through the English rugby establishment and ignited celebrations throughout Italy.
The historic match unfolded before nearly 70,000 fervent fans in Rome. England appeared to be in control for much of the first half, leading 12-10 at the break after tries from Freeman, and Roebuck. But, Italy rallied in the second half, fueled by a determined performance and a decisive try from substitute Leonardo Marin in the 71st minute. That score, set up by powerful runs from Monty Ioane and Tommaso Menoncello – who had earlier scored a try of his own – proved to be the game-winner.
Crisis for England, Questions for Borthwick
The defeat has triggered a wave of criticism in the English press, with many outlets questioning the future of head coach Steve Borthwick. The Guardian reported there was “no doubt What we have is now a full-blown crisis for England.” The Daily Mail described the loss as an “epochal defeat” for English rugby, adding that “empires have been built and demolished in Rome,” and raising serious doubts about Borthwick’s position. The Times labeled the result an “humiliation” for the coach.
England’s 34-year unbeaten record against Italy is now over. The post-match scenes reportedly reflected the players’ dismay, with the Daily Mail noting that the English squad gathered in a huddle after the final whistle, where Maro Itoje reportedly delivered a stern message to his teammates. With challenging upcoming fixtures against France and South Africa, the pressure is mounting on England to turn their fortunes around.
Marin Seals Historic Victory
Leonardo Marin, who came on as a substitute, became the hero of the hour with his late try. The 23-year-old fly-half, currently playing for Benetton, has quickly become a key player for the Italian national team, having made his debut against France in 2022. He has represented Italy 18 times as of November 27, 2025, scoring 12 points. Marin’s impact off the bench proved crucial in unlocking the English defense and securing the historic win.
Tommaso Menoncello, who scored a stunning individual try in the first half, also received significant praise. He expressed his disbelief and excitement after the match, dedicating the victory to his family and girlfriend, acknowledging the hard work that went into achieving this milestone. “I’ve dreamed all week of winning this game and getting the MVP award,” Menoncello said, as reported by RaiNews.
Italian Resilience and a Roaring Olimpico
The victory wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was a testament to the Italian team’s resilience and determination. Trailing for much of the match, they refused to yield, capitalizing on opportunities and maintaining belief until the final whistle. The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was electric, with the home crowd providing unwavering support throughout the contest. The energy of the crowd, described as “impazzito” (crazy) by Italian media, undoubtedly played a role in inspiring the Azzurri to victory.
Italian Minister of Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, celebrated the win as a moment that would “pass from chronicle to history.” He lauded the team’s display of values and the spirit of rugby, emphasizing the beauty of a hard-fought, come-from-behind victory.
What’s Next for Italy and England?
Italy will look to build on this momentum as they continue their Six Nations campaign. Their next match is against Wales on March 15, 2026, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. England, meanwhile, faces a daunting task as they prepare to travel to France on March 15, 2026, followed by a home match against South Africa on March 22, 2026. The pressure will be immense for Borthwick and his team to respond to this historic defeat and salvage something from their Six Nations campaign.
This victory marks a turning point for Italian rugby, signaling a recent era of competitiveness and ambition. For England, it’s a stark reminder of the challenges ahead and a call for urgent change. The reverberations of this upset will undoubtedly be felt throughout the rugby world for some time to come.
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