Six Nations 2026 · Round 4
Italy
England
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Championship Standings
After Round 3 — Italy and England are level on 5 points but separated by point difference. Both sides need a result here to keep any realistic hope of a top-three finish alive.
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  France | 3 | 3 | 0 | +89 | 15 |
| 2 |  Scotland | 3 | 2 | 1 | +11 | 11 |
| 3 |  Ireland | 3 | 2 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
| 4 |  England | 3 | 1 | 2 | +9 | 5 |
| 5 |  Italy | 3 | 1 | 2 | −29 | 5 |
| 6 |  Wales | 3 | 0 | 3 | −86 | 1 |
Italy
W1, L2Italy’s campaign has been a tale of two halves. The Round 1 victory over Scotland in Rome was a statement result — disciplined defence, clinical set-piece execution — but the wheels came off on the road. Competitive in Dublin (losing by just 7), they were then outclassed in Lille. Averaging 13 points per game is a concern, but crucially they are back in Rome where their record this championship is perfect.
England
W1, L2England’s tournament has unravelled rapidly. The 48–7 demolition of Wales flattered to deceive — consecutive defeats to Scotland and Ireland, the latter a 21-point humiliation at Twickenham, have triggered a squad overhaul. Steve Borthwick has made a staggering 12 changes for this fixture, the most between tests by any England coach in history. This is effectively a reset.
Head-to-Head Record
0 – 0 – 30
Italy wins · Draws · England wins (last 30 meetings)
Italy (0)The most one-sided rivalry in Six Nations history. Italy have never beaten England in the championship — not once since joining in 2000. England have won all 30 of the last 30 meetings across all competitions, with an average winning margin of approximately 25–30 points. It is the longest active winning streak between any two Tier 1 nations.
Recent Results
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2025 | Six Nations | England 47–24 Italy |
| Feb 2024 | Six Nations | Italy 24–27 England |
| Feb 2023 | Six Nations | England 31–14 Italy |
| Mar 2022 | Six Nations | Italy 0–33 England |
| Feb 2021 | Six Nations | England 41–18 Italy |
| Oct 2020 | Six Nations | Italy 5–34 England |
Average score in the last 6 meetings: England 35 – Italy 14. England have won by an average of 21 points. However, note the 2024 result in Rome — Italy came within 3 points, the closest they have come to breaking the hoodoo.
Extended Form
Italy4W, 5L
Wins against: Scotland (Six Nations R1), Chile (34–19), Australia (26–19), Namibia (73–6). Losses to: France (8–33), Ireland (13–20), South Africa (×2, including a 45–0 whitewash), Australia (lost the first summer test before winning the return).
Italy are a transformed side under Gonzalo Quesada. They can beat teams ranked 6th–15th in the world, but still struggle against the very top. Their home record is the key — the Stadio Olimpico has become a genuine fortress, with the Scotland win and the near-miss against England in 2024 evidence of real progress.
England8W, 2L
Wins against: Argentina (×3), New Zealand (33–19), Fiji (38–18), Australia (25–7), USA (40–5), Wales (48–7). Losses to: Scotland (20–31), Ireland (21–42).
England’s autumn was outstanding — four from four including a statement win over the All Blacks. But the Six Nations has been a reality check. They look a different side without momentum and confidence, and Borthwick’s decision to make 12 changes suggests he is already looking to build for the future rather than salvage this campaign.
Italy XV
Capuozzo is ruled out with a shoulder injury — Lorenzo Pani deputises at fullback. The major positive is the reunion of Brex and Menoncello at centre, Italy’s most potent midfield combination. Alessandro Garbisi joins brother Paolo in the starting XV, forming a family half-back pairing. Lamaro captains from the blindside as ever.
England XV
Twelve changes from the Ireland defeat — the most ever made by an England coach between tests. Only Itoje, Genge and Heyes survive. The entire backline is new: Fin Smith at fly-half, Spencer at scrum-half, Freeman shifted to outside centre, and Daly recalled at fullback. Marcus Smith drops to the bench. Itoje captains a side that barely recognises itself.
Key Matchups
Italy hold a clear edge in cohesion and midfield quality. Brex and Menoncello is a proven, battle-hardened centre pairing; Atkinson and Freeman have never started together. Garbisi at 10 has 30+ caps and controls tempo; Fin Smith is making just his second Six Nations start. England’s back row of Earl, Curry and Pepper is world-class on paper, but even they need service from an unfamiliar half-back combination. Italy’s best chance in this fixture — possibly ever — lies in exploiting England’s lack of familiarity.
Match Forecast
History says England. Everything else says this is a coin flip. Twelve changes is an unprecedented gamble — a completely new backline, unfamiliar combinations, and a squad that has lost two straight. Italy are at home in Rome, with a settled team, a proven game plan, and the Stadio Olimpico crowd behind them. Garbisi is the more composed 10, the Brex–Menoncello axis gives Italy the midfield edge, and Lamaro’s leadership provides the steadiness this fixture demands.
England’s individual talent, particularly through Earl, Curry and Itoje in the pack, should keep them in the fight. Marcus Smith off the bench could be decisive. But asking so many new combinations to gel away from home, against a side that beat Scotland here in Round 1, is a monumental ask. Italy have never beaten England in the Six Nations. This is their best chance yet.
England edge it narrowly — but don’t be surprised if Italy finally break through.