Italy stun punch-drunk England to make Six Nations history

Italy claimed their first ever victory over England on Saturday, ending decades of hurt with a famous 23-18 win.

The five-point victory ended a sequence stretching back to 1992 and sent the Rome crowd into absolute raptures. England, meanwhile, slumped to a third consecutive Six Nations defeat, leaving their campaign in complete disarray.

Steve Borthwick’s side now face the daunting prospect of a final-round trip to Paris with their pride on the line. A wooden spoon finish is now a very real possibility if they fail in France next weekend.

FIRST HALF RECAP: ITALY AND 

England made an early reshuffle after Tom Curry was injured during the warm-up, with Sam Underhill drafted into the starting lineup. Italy opened the scoring through Paolo Garbisi’s penalty before England responded with a sharp try for Tommy Freeman, engineered by Fin Smith and Alex Coles.

Italy then struck back in the 34th minute as the brilliant Tommaso Menoncello sliced clean through the English defence from 45 metres out. Smith’s perfectly weighted cross-field kick then found Tom Roebuck unmarked on the right wing just before half-time. England went into the break leading 12-10 but far from comfortable.

SECON HALF RECAP: DISCIPLINE COSTS ENGLAND DEARLY

England stretched their lead to 18-10 early in the second half through further Smith penalties. However, their discipline then fell apart completely at the worst possible moment. Sam Underhill received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Danilo Fischetti, allowing Garbisi to land two successive penalties and narrow the gap to 18-16.

Then, critically, captain Maro Itoje was sin-binned for cynically slapping the ball away from a maul. England were suddenly down to 13 men and Italy smelled blood immediately.

With Itoje still off the field, Italy crafted the try that made history. Monty Ioane made a powerful surge down the left before finding Menoncello, who crashed through Elliot Daly’s attempted tackle. Replacement Leonardo Marin then finished the move by diving over near the left touchline in the 71st minute.

The Stadio Olimpico erupted in scenes of pure joy as the significance of the moment sank in. England pushed desperately for a response but could not find a way through a determined Italian defence.