England will be forced to try to avoid a first-ever defeat to Italy in the opening game of the 2024 Six Nations.
The Italian has been flogging Six Nations boys for years, picking up unwanted wooden spoons 18 times since the turn of the century.
But they have renewed optimism ahead of the 2024 Six Nations, which will see them face Steve Borthwick’s side at home.
England are in a period of transition under Borthwick, with long-time captain Owen Farrell stepping down from international duty after the World Cup.
England come from behind to win
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A number of key players also chose to move overseas, making them ineligible to play for England.
This left a question mark over how England would fare in this year’s Six Nations, with the Italians making the most of their advantage in the opening stages.
Italy broke through England’s soft defensive line and Alessandro Garbisi carried the ball over the line, giving Italy a 10-0 lead.
George Ford’s spike helped stop England’s rot once again and get them back on track in the first half.
Center Elliot Daly then scored England’s first try of the game, bringing England within two points, but Italy regained the lead with a goal from Tommaso Allan.
Italy’s lack of discipline forced England back into the game before the break, with Ford kicking two further penalties over the posts to keep England in the match.
However, it was the first time an Italian team led at the break in a Six Nations since their last win in the competition, against Wales in 2022.
For Italy, this was perhaps their best chance to end their 31-year wait to finally defeat England for the first time in their history.
England managed to hold off Italy
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However, England were a different team in the second half, with Alex Mitchell giving them their first lead of the match just five minutes after the restart.
Ford scored two more penalty kicks throughout the first half, opening up a 10-point lead over the Italians.
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George Ford’s boots saved England in the end
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England could not find the extra goal to earn the all-important bonus point.
However, Italy still had time to add another try and earn a agonizing point before the final whistle.
With Monty Ioane running down the flank, England’s players were unable to stop him and Italy ultimately lost by just three points.