As the SIX NATIONS enters the 4th Round and the TEMPO rises can ENGLAND beat ITALY away in ROME at the OLIMPICO?
Both sides arrive in Rome carrying very different narratives. For Italy, this is a statement opportunity: still chasing a first-ever Championship victory over England, but emboldened by clear progress under Gonzalo Quesada and buoyed by an opening-round win over Scotland. With a passionate home crowd behind them and attacking sparks in Ange Capuozzo and Tommaso Menoncello, the Azzurri believe history is within reach.
England, meanwhile, are seeking recalibration after back-to-back defeats halted early momentum. Steve Borthwick’s side have shown attacking ambition and forward power, yet inconsistency has proved costly. This match preview breaks down the key storylines, players to watch, recent form, broadcast details and what to expect from a fixture that could shape the Championship run-in.
KICK-OFF: 16:40 LIVE on ITV and Sky Italia
TEAM NEWS:
Italy: 15. Lorenzo Pani; 14. Louis Lynagh, 13. Juan Ignacio Brex, 12. Tommaso Menoncello, 11. Monty Ioane; 10. Paolo Garbisi, 9. Alessandro Garbisi; 1. Danilo Fischetti, 2. Giacomo Nicotera, 3. Simone Ferrari; 4. Niccolò Cannone, 5. Andrea Zambonin; 6. Michele Lamaro (c), 7. Manuel Zuliani, 8. Lorenzo Cannone
Replacements: 16. Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 17. Mirco Spagnolo, 18. Muhamed Hasa, 19. Federico Ruzza, 20. Riccardo Favretto, 21. Alessandro Fusco, 22. Leonardo Marin, 23. Tommaso Allan
England: 15. Elliot Daly; 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Tommy Freeman, 12. Seb Atkinson, 11. Cadan Murley; 10. Fin Smith, 9. Ben Spencer; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Jamie George, 3. Joe Heyes; 4. Maro Itoje (c), 5. Alex Coles; 6. Guy Pepper, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Ben Earl
Replacements: 16. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17. Bevan Rodd, 18. Trevor Davison, 19. Ollie Chessum, 20. Sam Underhill, 21. Henry Pollock, 22. Jack van Poortvliet, 23. Marcus Smith
ODDS:
Italy 5/2
England 4/9
Draw 33/1