Italy's rugby makes history at the Olimpico, defeating the English masters for the first time

A moving, cynical, always-in-the-game Italy beats England for the first time in its history, after 32 consecutive losses in as many official encounters. On an afternoon that rugby fans will remember for a long time, the Azzurri win at the Olimpico 23 to 18, turning the game around in the second half after finishing the first half at 10 to 12 and having been down 10 to 18.

Great protagonist Menoncello, scorer of the first try and crucial for the last score by Marin, who made the definitive lead change with just under ten minutes left. The rest was done by Garbisi's foot, which allowed, thanks to penalty kicks, to close the gap on the English. 

This is Italy's second victory in the 2026 Six Nations. After beating Scotland on the first day, there followed two defeats against Ireland and France. Today, the historic success against England. Now the Azzurri are fourth with 9 points in a ranking led by France and Scotland with 15 points. 

After a very balanced first half, the English national team starts strong but finds a solid Azzurri defense ready to hold until the 21st minute when the boys of Quesada take control of the game, able to capitalize on Paolo Garbisi's penalty kick for the partial lead. It doesn't last long, because five minutes later England puts its face back in front with Freeman's try, taking advantage of a lapse in concentration from the Azzurri. Quesada gets very angry, but Italy responds blow for blow and despite the pressure from England, manages to find Menoncello's try for the lead change.

Yet in the locker room, the score reads 10-12 for the visitors because before heading down, another serious lapse in concentration from the Azzurri in their own 22 meters leads to Roebuck's try.

The start of the recovery is complicated because England tries to pull ahead, taking a lead of 18-10 thanks to Smith's penalties. However, Lamaro&co do not back down and the substitutions from the bench become decisive, along with Garbisi's perfect penalties and Menoncello's final run that sets up Marin for the try that brings the Azzurri to a final score of 23-18.

Thus, the celebration begins with the sweetest third half in the history of Italian rugby. An enthusiastic Quesada at the end of the match: "The boys, even though they were not favored, overcame the nerves of the second half. This victory represents a great step forward in our journey. Today we built the victory." And then he added: "I believe we had a game plan and we had difficulty implementing it because of England, who always played on the edge. But every time we were able to do what we had prepared with the ball, we scored or gained ground. The bench also performed excellently. We knew it could make a difference, which is why they came in quickly." "Two years ago in this match, we went in at halftime just a few points down and we didn't believe it much. Today, however, we find and take advantage of the opportunities that were there, which is why I say this is an important step. Now we must enjoy this victory, but then we need to prepare calmly for a gigantic match against Wales."

So the next appointment is in Cardiff, to try to make this Six Nations even more unique than it has been so far. By winning next weekend, Italy would achieve for the first time three victories in one edition and could also finish third, its best final position.