Italy make history with first-ever Six Nations win over England

Italy make history with first-ever Six Nations win over England

Italy produced a historic performance to defeat England 23-18 in the Six Nations, securing their first-ever victory over England in the competition at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Italy struck the opening points in the 21st minute when Paolo Garbisi kicked a penalty. England had controlled the early kicking exchanges but failed to capitalise on their territory.

England responded through Tommy Freeman, who finished a well-worked line-out move after a sweeping pass from Alex Coles released him untouched in the corner. The visitors added another first-half try shortly before the interval when Tom Roebuck gathered a cross-field kick from Fin Smith.

Italy fought back when Tommaso Menoncello burst between Joe Heyes and Sam Underhill to create a scoring opportunity that restored the hosts' lead. England regained control early in the second half as Smith kicked two penalties to stretch their advantage.

Discipline soon became a decisive factor. Italy prop Giacomo Nicotera was sin-binned, but England later suffered two yellow cards of their own.

Underhill was shown a card before captain Maro Itoje was penalised for slapping the ball out of Alessandro Garbisi's hands, temporarily reducing England to 13 players.

Italy seized the momentum. Garbisi kicked two quick penalties to cut the gap to two points before Menoncello produced another powerful break down the wing. He offloaded inside to Leonardo Marin, who crossed for the decisive try.

The result lifted Italy above England into fourth place after also beating Scotland earlier in the tournament, keeping them in contention for a top-three finish.

England, meanwhile, remain second from bottom ahead of a final-round clash with title-chasing France, with the defeat likely to intensify scrutiny on head coach Steve Borthwick. 

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