Italy continued their remarkable Six Nations ascension with their first ever victory over England at their 33rd attempt.

The minnows have been the competition’s perennial whipping boys for over two decades but stunned England on Saturday with a hard-fought 23-18 win in Rome.

England, widely fancied by many to contend with France ahead of the Championship, have had a disatrous campaign, suffering defeats to Scotland, Ireland and now the Azzurri.

And an unenviable trip to Paris to face the defending champions awaits Steve Borthwick’s side next weekend, with both Ireland and Scotland hoping for a favour from the former World Cup winners.

Leonardo Marin’s late try ensured victory for Italy and it can be said now that Italy, who have racked up multiple Six Nations wins in a single campaign for the first time ever, have legitimised themselves.

What a moment🤌

Forza Italia🇮🇹pic.twitter.com/vo41TjykjJ

— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 7, 2026

There was good reason to think England were contenders ahead of the competition, given their formidable form and winning streak ahead of the tournament.

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However; their game has not adapted since that run and the regression has been alarming for Borthwick and fans alike.

England captain Maro Itoje took acountabilty after the game but it was a lack of discipline from the world class lock that gave Italy the initiative.

🗣 “It’s obviously disappointing.”

🗣 “We have to face the facts and face the reality and just get back to work.”

🗣 “Teams go through tough periods, and we’re going through a tough period now.”

England captain Maro Itoje after their loss to Italy.#GuinnessM6N | #ITAvENG pic.twitter.com/J0zLwIyOjy

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 7, 2026

Borthwick’s men were reduced to 13 in what was ultimately the turning point of the game after Itoje needlessly slapped away the ball during an Italian maul.

𝗬𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗗 🟨

England are down to 13 men!#GuinnessM6N | #ITAvENG pic.twitter.com/Hmky4MxTCn

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 7, 2026

Rob Kearney slammed ‘braindead’ Maro Itoje moment

The reaction in the Virgin Media studio was nothing short of scathing – with Ireland legend Rob Kearney sharing his befuddlement with Itoje’s decision.

I honestly don’t know what is going through his head,” Kearney said.

“You can’t slap the ball out of the 9’s hand… there is no upside to it.

“It is just a complete brain wobble.”

Ian Madigan gave further context to the moment.

‘In the modern game, if the ref misses it, the TMO is still never missing that.

“It is a huge turning point in the game.

It looks like they are not playing for the coach… Their discipline was really poor tonight – when Itoje gave away that penalty…

Kearney added: “That was such a braindead penalty to give away and it was the turning point in the game.”

An act unbecoming of a former Lions captain and one which has no doubt piled the pressure both on the England squad and head coach Borthwick.

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