Italy claim historic first victory over England as Borthwick's men are rattled in Rome

"For the first time in 33 attempts they have beaten England at rugby union and no one could possibly claim the boys in blue did not deserve their long-awaited special day. Entering the final half hour it had seemed as though England might just leave Rome with their dignity intact. Instead, not for the first time in this championship, they were the architects of their own downfall with the momentum of the game swinging decisively after two visiting forwards, including captain Maro Itoje, were sent to the sin-bin simultaneously."

"Italy, 18-10 down at one stage, sensed their chance and struck the decisive blow in the 71st minute when the replacement Leonardo Marin dived over to finish a stunning counterattack try set up by forceful running from Monty Ioane and Tommaso Menoncello, who had earlier scored a fabulous solo try of his own."

"It all felt light years away from the days when Italy were losing 36 Six Nations games in a row, a seven-year streak that only ended in 2022. Their head coach, Gonzalo Quesada, has done a spectacularly good job since he took over two years ago and here was the definitive proof."

Italy achieved a historic victory over England 23-18 in the Six Nations, securing their first win against England in 33 attempts. Trailing 18-10, Italy capitalized on England's discipline issues when two English forwards, including captain Maro Itoje, were simultaneously sent to the sin-bin. Leonardo Marin scored the decisive try in the 71st minute following a counterattack initiated by Monty Ioane and Tommaso Menoncello, who had earlier scored an impressive solo try. Head coach Gonzalo Quesada has transformed Italian rugby since taking over two years ago, moving the team far beyond their previous streak of 36 consecutive Six Nations losses that ended in 2022.

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