Italy 23 England 18Italy's Tommaso Menoncello celebrates after scoring a try during the Six Nations rugby union match between Italy and England in Rome, Saturday, March 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)England suffered a historic first defeat to Italy with a 23-18 collapse at the Stadio Olimpico raising the grim prospect of falling to their worst Six Nations finish. Italy then took advantage of Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje being sent to the sin-bin to strike the decisive blow when Leonardo Marin finished a thrilling try down the left touchline. The Azzurri found the killer touch when it mattered most, condemning England to a third consecutive mauling that intensifies the scrutiny on Steve Borthwick’s regime. The conversion and two penalties nudged England 18-10 ahead and with Giacomo Nicotera sent to the sin-bin, the outlook was looking up for the visitors.

Source: Irish Independent March 07, 2026 20:21 UTC