Italy Beats England 23-18, Ends England's 32-Match Winning Streak Over Italy
Key Takeaways
- Italy beat England 23-18 in the men's Six Nations.
- Italy secured its first victory over England after 32 consecutive defeats.
- Tommaso Menoncello scored both tries, including the go-ahead seven minutes from time.
Italy's Six Nations win
Italy defeated England 23-18 in Rome to record a landmark Six Nations victory, ending a run of 32 consecutive defeats to England.
“Steve Borthwick sotto crescente pressione dopo la prima sconfitta dell’Inghilterra contro l’Italia”
Tommaso Menoncello scored both Italian tries, including the go-ahead score with seven minutes remaining, sealing the win in the capital.
Six Nations standings
The victory is Italy's second win of this Six Nations; they had earlier beaten Scotland.
The result reshuffles the bottom half of the table: France and Scotland lead on 16 points, Ireland sit on 14, and Italy move to 9 points after this upset over England.
England coaching scrutiny
England's loss has intensified scrutiny of coach Steve Borthwick.
“Steve Borthwick sotto crescente pressione dopo la prima sconfitta dell’Inghilterra contro l’Italia”
Coverage and commentators, including the Guardian and former Lion Ugo Monye, described the situation as 'a complete crisis' and said conversations about coach Steve Borthwick's future must start.
The result raises the prospect that, should England lose to France next week, they would suffer four Six Nations defeats in a season for the first time in 50 years.
Borthwick defends England discipline
Borthwick sought to defend his position after the match, pointing to progress over the past 12 months and ongoing talks with the RFU.
Borthwick accepted that discipline must improve, noting England have accumulated seven yellow cards and a red across four games in the tournament.
England reaction and Italy momentum
Captain Maro Itoje summarised the mood from England’s dressing room as 'obviously disappointing,' saying the players must take responsibility for the defeat.
“Steve Borthwick sotto crescente pressione dopo la prima sconfitta dell’Inghilterra contro l’Italia”
Italy’s dramatic late try and the result in Rome give Italy momentum heading into the closing rounds of the championship.
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