Historic Win for Italy
In a groundbreaking development for Italian rugby, the national team secured its first-ever victory against England in men’s Test rugby on March 7, 2026. The match, held at the iconic Stadio Olimpico, ended with a score of 23-18, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s history.
The game was a part of the 2026 Six Nations tournament, where Italy showcased remarkable resilience. After trailing at halftime with a score of 10-15, Italy scored 13 unanswered points in the last 25 minutes, sealing their historic win. Tommaso Menoncello and Leonardo Marin were instrumental in this victory, each scoring tries that contributed to the team’s overall performance.
Key Performers
Paolo Garbisi also played a crucial role, successfully converting three penalties throughout the match. The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was electric, with nearly 50,000 Italian fans and 20,000 English supporters in attendance, all witnessing this historic clash.
A Long Time Coming
Before this match, Italy had faced England 33 times without a victory, with the first encounter dating back to 1991 at Twickenham. The previous record included Italy’s largest defeat to England, a staggering 80-23 loss in 2001. This win not only breaks the streak but also serves as a testament to the growth of Italian rugby on the international stage.
Reactions from the Team
Following the match, Michele Lamaro, the captain of the Italian rugby team, expressed the emotional weight of the victory, stating, “We entered the field with a palpable tension, but we believed in it in every second.” Head coach Gonzalo Quesada added, “These are not nice games and not beautiful, but I think we totally deserve this win.”
Emotional Moments
Tommaso Menoncello, who scored one of the tries, shared his disbelief and joy, saying, “I still can’t believe it. I’m very emotional. I dreamed of this moment all week.” The sentiments echoed the feelings of many fans who had waited decades for this moment.
A New Era for Italian Rugby
This victory marks a turning point for Italian rugby, as it not only ends a long-standing rivalry but also instills a sense of belief and pride in the team and its supporters. As one anonymous fan remarked, “It has taken 35 years and 33 matches. But today rugby Italia has done it.” The implications of this win will likely resonate throughout the sport in Italy for years to come.