Italy beat England 23-18 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday 7 March 2026, recording their first ever Six Nations victory over the Red Rose in the penultimate round of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship. The result piled further pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick as England slumped to their worst championship campaign on record.
What is Italy vs England in the Six Nations?
The fixture forms part of the annual Six Nations Championship, the premier international tournament in Northern Hemisphere rugby union. Played since 1883 in various formats, the modern Six Nations features England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales competing in a round-robin format across five rounds between February and March each year. Italy joined the competition in 2000, and the Azzurri had never previously beaten England in Six Nations history prior to this match.
For England, the match was their fourth of the 2026 campaign. Already beaten by Scotland and Ireland in earlier rounds, Steve Borthwick’s side travelled to Rome needing a victory to salvage some pride before the final weekend fixture against France.
When did it take place?
The match kicked off at 14:40 GMT (15:40 local time) on Saturday 7 March 2026, the second fixture of Round 4 of the championship. It was played on the same day as Scotland’s thrilling victory over France at Murrayfield, with Ireland having opened the round against Wales in Dublin the previous evening.
Where was it held?
The fixture was staged at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy’s primary international rugby venue and home of the national team for Six Nations fixtures. The 68,245-strong crowd produced one of the most atmospheric occasions in Italian rugby history as the final whistle confirmed the historic victory.
Results
Italy 23-18 England. The Azzurri led throughout much of the contest, with tries from Tommaso Menoncello in the 34th minute and Juan Ignacio Brex’s replacement Marin shortly after the hour mark. Fly-half Paolo Garbisi was accurate with the boot, landing a conversion and three penalties for a personal tally of 11 points. England responded through tries from Tommy Freeman on 26 minutes and Cadan Murley’s replacement Roebuck just before half-time, with Fin Smith converting one and adding two penalties, but it was not enough to haul them back in front as Italy held firm in the final quarter.
Background and form going in
Italy had entered the contest with renewed belief after pushing Scotland close in Round 1 and improving week on week under head coach Gonzalo Quesada. England, by contrast, were in disarray, having been outplayed by Scotland at Murrayfield in Round 2 and then dismantled by Ireland at Twickenham in Round 3. Despite England starting as favourites based on world ranking alone, most pre-match analysis pointed to a vulnerable English side against a rising Italian team playing at home.
History and Records
Before this result, England had beaten Italy in every single one of their previous 30 Six Nations meetings, stretching back to Italy’s introduction to the tournament in 2000. The 7 March 2026 victory was therefore a seminal moment in Italian rugby, ending a 26-year hoodoo and confirming the Azzurri’s steady progression under Quesada. England, meanwhile, finished the 2026 championship with eight points, their worst ever return in a Six Nations season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Italy vs England in the 2026 Six Nations?
Italy beat England 23-18 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday 7 March 2026.
When did Italy vs England take place?
The match was played on Saturday 7 March 2026 in Round 4 of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
Where was the match held?
At the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy.
Was this Italy’s first ever win over England?
Yes. It was Italy’s first victory over England in Six Nations history, ending a run of 30 consecutive defeats.