Mar 7 • 18:40 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

Italy clinch historic first win over England in Six Nations nail-biter

Italy achieved their first ever victory against England in rugby, winning 23-18 in the Six Nations.

In a dramatic encounter at the Stadio Olimpico, Italy celebrated their historic first win over England in rugby after 32 previous attempts, claiming a 23-18 victory in the Six Nations. The match was marked by heightened tensions, with Italy scoring tries from Tommaso Menoncello and Leonardo Marin, while England struggled with their form, having lost their previous matches against Scotland and Ireland. The crucial moment came when Marin's try eight minutes from the end tipped the balance in favor of the Italian team.

The match began with England taking a slight lead into halftime at 10-8, fueled by tries from Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck, as well as a conversion from Fin Smith. However, Italy's offense showed resilience, responding with consistent scores, including a successful penalty by Paolo Garbisi who also converted the try by Menoncello. England had initially pulled ahead, but the inability of their much-altered lineup to maintain their lead marked their third consecutive defeat in the championship, raising questions about their strategies moving forward.

This milestone victory not only boosts Italian pride in the sport but also reflects deeper implications for the dynamics of European rugby. For England, the loss raises concerns about their tactics and performance under pressure, particularly as the Six Nations continues. Italy's win may serve as a turning point for their rugby ambitions, illustrating their growing competitiveness on the international stage, whereas England may need to reassess their approach to regain their former prowess.

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