Round 4 of the 2026 Six Nations brings us a fixture that has produced precisely zero Italian victories in 32 attempts. England’s perfect record against the Azzurri is one of rugby’s most lopsided rivalries, yet after Italy’s stunning opening-weekend upset over Scotland, this match carries more intrigue than the history books might suggest. England arrive in Rome seeking to maintain momentum from their dominant Round 1 performance, while Italy will be desperate to prove their opening victory wasn’t a one-off flash in the pan.
Italy v England – Kick-off & Viewing Details
Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2026
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Kick-off: 11:40 AM ET (4:40 PM GMT)
Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
TV: ITV (UK), Virgin Media (ROI)
The Stadio Olimpico isn’t a traditional rugby fortress—it’s a cavernous football stadium that can swallow 70,000, and the wide-open spaces often favor expansive rugby. The pitch dimensions and atmosphere are unlike anywhere else in the Six Nations, and England will need to adjust quickly to the unique environment.
For those of us not in Rome, The Winslow (243 E 14th St) is the only place serious fans should consider. Expect the place rammed with expats nursing proper pints, the audio cranked for every breakdown, and the kind of atmosphere that makes a midday Saturday kick-off feel like prime time. This is where the New York rugby community gathers—dedicated space, no distractions, just the match. Get there early; with England looking to build on their Round 1 statement and Italy defending their own upset, this one will draw a crowd.
The Tape: Team Analysis
Italy – Can Lightning Strike Twice?
Italy’s 18-15 victory over Scotland in Round 1 wasn’t just a win; it was a watershed moment. In monsoon conditions at the Stadio Olimpico, they executed two brilliantly worked tries in the opening half-hour, then defended with ferocity as the deluge turned the match into a war of attrition. The emotion on the players’ faces at full time told you everything: this wasn’t just three points on the table, it was validation of years of incremental progress.
The pack will be central again. Michele Lamaro continues to lead as Italy’s openside flanker , while Lorenzo Cannone is the team’s specialist number 8. The Italian scrum has improved markedly in recent years, and they’ll need that platform against an England pack that will look to impose physically from the opening whistle. Gianmarco Lucchesi at hooker gives them a set-piece foundation, though his lineout accuracy will be tested by England’s defensive system.
At halfback, Alessandro Garbisi was exemplary against Scotland, his kicking game pinning them deep and forcing them to play out of their own half in appalling conditions. If Italy can replicate that territorial control and force England into a dogfight, they have a chance. But the question is sustainability—can they back up that emotional and physical effort against a side that’s never lost to them?
The tactical challenge for Italy is clear: slow English ball at the breakdown, win the territorial kicking battle, and make this a low-scoring scrap. If England get front-foot ball and quick ruck speed, Italy’s defensive line will crack. But if they can generate a messy, fractured game, they’ll stay in it deep into the second half.
England – Maintaining the Standard
England’s 48-7 demolition of Wales in Round 1 was clinical and comprehensive. Henry Arundell ran in a first-half hat-trick, showcasing his pace and finishing ability, while the pack dominated possession and territory. Wales offered little resistance, but the performance was exactly what Steve Borthwick needed: disciplined, efficient, and ruthless.
The challenge now is replicating that away from Twickenham. England’s away record in the Six Nations under Borthwick has been a lingering question mark—they’ve been comfortable at home but haven’t consistently delivered statement performances on the road. Rome isn’t Murrayfield or Dublin, but the psychological test is similar: can they impose their game plan in a hostile environment against an opponent with nothing to lose?
The good news is Ollie Lawrence is available after missing Round 1, giving Borthwick options in the backline. With Immanuel Feyi-Waboso ruled out for potentially the rest of the championship, Lawrence’s return allows Tommy Freeman to shift back to the wing, maintaining continuity in the back three. Alternatively, Cadan Murley or Elliot Daly could slot in if Borthwick opts for a different configuration.
The pack is where England will look to impose themselves. Ellis Genge and Dan Cole provide experience and power in the front row, while Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum give them a lineout platform that should dominate Italian possession. The back row battle will be crucial: Ben Earl at eight has been in superb form, carrying hard and linking play, while Sam Underhill at seven will target Italian ruck ball with his trademark poaching.
Marcus Smith at ten remains the creative hub, and his decision-making will be tested if Italy can generate quick line speed and disrupt England’s phase play. Smith thrives off front-foot ball; if the Azzurri can slow English ruck speed and force him into rushed decisions, they’ll create opportunities for turnovers and counter-attack.
England’s tactical approach should be straightforward: dominate territory, win the collision, and use their superior pace and finishing in the wider channels. The bench—particularly Fin Smith and the impact of fresh legs in the pack—should provide the firepower to pull away in the final quarter.
The Verdict
England by 14.
Italy will make this competitive for 50-55 minutes. They’ll bring physicality at the breakdown, disrupt English ruck speed, and keep the scoreboard respectable through Garbisi’s boot and territorial kicking. The Stadio Olimpico crowd will roar every tackle, and England will feel the pressure of carrying a 32-0 record into hostile territory.
But class and depth tell in the final quarter. England’s bench—particularly the impact of fresh legs in the pack and Fin Smith’s playmaking—will stretch a tiring Italian defense. Earl and Freeman will exploit space out wide, and England will pull away with two or three tries in the final 20 minutes to secure a comfortable victory.
The key tactical battle is the breakdown. If Italy can slow English ball and force them into a kicking game, they’ll stay in it. If Lamaro and Cannone can generate turnovers and penalties, they’ll give Garbisi the platform to keep Italy within striking distance. But if England can generate quick ruck ball and get Smith operating off front-foot possession, their superior pace and finishing will be decisive.
Discipline will also matter. Luc Ramos is a card-happy referee, and any Italian indiscretions in the red zone will be punished with penalty tries or yellow cards. England’s set-piece prowess means they’ll camp in Italian territory for extended periods, and the Azzurri cannot afford to give away cheap points through ill-discipline.
Italy deserve immense credit for their Round 1 heroics, but asking them to beat England—a team they’ve never defeated in 32 attempts—is a monumental task. England will grind out the win, extend their perfect record, and keep building momentum as the tournament progresses.
Full Time
This is the kind of fixture where history weighs heavy. Italy have belief after their Scotland upset; England have 32 wins and zero losses. The Azzurri will throw everything at this, and for an hour, it should be compelling rugby. But England’s depth, experience, and superior finishing should see them through.
Get to The Winslow early to secure a spot. The 11:40 AM kick-off means the place will be buzzing from the moment the doors open—pair your pint with some proper pub fare and settle in. If Italy can replicate their Round 1 magic and make history, we’re in for a hell of a morning. If England deliver the professional performance expected of them, they’ll march on with title ambitions intact. Either way, this is where New York’s rugby faithful will be watching.
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