Italy stunned England with a 23-18 victory in Rome, ending a 32-year losing streak in the Six Nations. The Azzurri's first-ever tournament win over England came at a raucous Stadio Olimpico, where they capitalized on second-half yellow cards to Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje. Tommaso Menoncello scored in the first half and set up Leonardo Marin's decisive late try.

This breakthrough marks a turning point for Italian rugby, which had lost 17 consecutive Six Nations matches as recently as 2019. The appointment of Argentine coach Gonzalo Quesada in 2024 and investment in youth development have transformed the team. Italy has now beaten all five Six Nations rivals since joining in 2000, with this win coming seven years after tournament officials questioned their continued participation.

The victory positions Italy to potentially finish above England for the first time, with their final match against winless Wales in Cardiff. For a program that once conceded 80 points to England and suffered 60-point defeats, this result represents years of progress. Captain Michele Lamaro emphasized the importance of changing mindsets and building trust within the squad.