Key Highlights
- England’s away-day blues – could they finally lose to Italy?
- Recent poor performance has raised questions about their identity and strategy.
- Italy’s improved play, particularly under coach Gonzalo Quesada, presents a stern test.
- Key battles: scrum strength and midfield dominance between England and Italy.
The Six Nations Showdown: England v Italy
England’s away-day blues – could they finally lose to Italy?
With the Six Nations trophy catching fire after round three, one of the pre-tournament favourites finds themselves in a precarious position. The title aspirations that seemed so promising have gone up in smoke well before the end of February. Mauled at Murrayfield and terrorised at Twickenham, England’s recent form has been anything but stellar.
Can pride be salvaged by beating Italy in round four in Rome?
Emerging victorious from the Eternal City is no longer a straightforward task, particularly for visitors who have a dire away record in the Six Nations. England remain unbeaten in the Italian capital but arrive on the back of two chastening defeats.
A Dire Away Record
England’s current run of four defeats in five away games is their joint-highest tally of losses over a five-match period in the entirety of the Six Nations era. In the five championships since last winning the title in 2020, England have won just four of their 13 fixtures on the road, losing all eight combined in Edinburgh, Dublin and France. Over the same period, France and Ireland have won 11 away games.
Scotland have won six. England do have a 100% record in Rome – but the Azzurri are no longer the accommodating hosts of old.
Stamina, Style, Scrum Power
Italy’s development has increased significantly since the arrival of Gonzalo Quesada as head coach following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Aggression in defence. Style in attack.
And the ability to compete for 80 minutes. “Historically, Italy have been good for the opening 20, the first half,” said former England winger Ugo Monye. “But then when changes are made and you’re into that final quarter, they might die off. We now know they’re a top team right across all four quarters.”
The Azzurri’s only real failing in this tournament so far has been an inability to fully exploit the chances they have created. They were the only team to score fewer points per visit to the opposition’s red zone (0.7) than England (1.6) in rounds two and three, resulting in competitive defeats in Dublin and Lille.
The Scrum War
England’s new backline faces a formidable challenge against Italy’s scrum power. Italy have won 11 scrum penalties in the tournament so far. A key battle awaits. “At times, Italy’s scrum got the better of South Africa in the autumn,” said Monye. “It has to be up there as one of the best in the world.”
Italy v England 2026 Six Nations Saturday 7 March at 16:40 GMT Listen on Sounds Live ary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, with live text ary on the BBC Sport website and app.
England’s fly-half Fin Smith is set to start for the first time in a Test match since 2025.
Monye says that bringing in Smith was the right call and believes England will be targeting a convincing win. “It’s not just about result anymore; it’s about result and performance,” he added. “Getting excited about this opportunity is the only way to approach it. Otherwise, you’ll play within yourself, you’ll play with fear, and you’ll play without expression.”
England must avoid ‘playing with fear’ against a side capable of exploiting any early mistakes. Italy’s stamina and scrum power present an even sterner test on Roman soil.