Italy Claims Historic First Victory Over England in Six Nations

Rome, Italy – In a stunning upset, Italy defeated England 23-18 at the Stadio Olimpico on March 8, 2026, marking their first-ever victory over England in 33 attempts. The historic win has sent shockwaves through the Six Nations Championship and ignited celebrations across Italy.

A Dramatic Turnaround

The match saw a dramatic shift in momentum, with Italy initially trailing 18-10. However, the Azzurri rallied, capitalizing on two yellow cards issued to England forwards Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje. The decisive blow came in the 71st minute when substitute Leonardo Marin scored a crucial try, sealing the victory for Italy.

Marin’s Decisive Try

Leonardo Marin’s try was the culmination of a stunning counterattack, initiated by forceful runs from Monty Ioane and Tommaso Menoncello. Menoncello had earlier scored a remarkable solo try, showcasing Italy’s attacking prowess. Footage of Marin’s try has quickly circulated online, capturing the excitement of the moment.

Crisis for England

The defeat represents a significant setback for England and head coach Steve Borthwick. Reports indicate a “full-blown crisis” for the English team, with questions being raised about Borthwick’s future. England’s next challenges include away matches against France and South Africa, adding to the pressure.

Key Moments and Statistics

• Final Score: Italy 23 – 18 England
• Try Scorers: Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck (England); Tommaso Menoncello, Leonardo Marin (Italy)
• Penalties: Paolo Garbisi (Italy); Fin Smith (England)
• Sin Bins: Sam Underhill, Maro Itoje (England)

What’s Next?

Italy will look to build on this historic victory as they continue their Six Nations campaign. For England, the focus will be on regrouping and addressing the issues that led to this disappointing result. ESPN reports that this defeat could lead to England’s worst Six Nations finish.

Historic Significance

This victory marks the end of a 34-year unbeaten record for England against Italy, a fixture dating back to 1992. The win is a testament to the growing strength of Italian rugby and a moment that will be celebrated by fans for years to come. SFGate highlights the emotional impact of the win, noting the roar at the final whistle could be heard throughout Rome.