England vs Italy Predictions - Italy can push England all the way

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 07 Mar 2025

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Simon Lewis 07 Mar 2025

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Italy aims to challenge England despite heavy loss to France.
England seeks a vital win for Six Nations title hopes.
Marcus Smith off; Finn Smith continues as England's fly-half.

Expired

England to keep chances alive with win (Getty Images)

England vs Italy Preview

Italy have a solid side despite being hammered by France in their last game. They can push England for 80 minutes at Twickenham.

England vs Italy Preview
Head to Head
England Form
England Injuries & Team News
Italy Form
Italy Injuries & Team News

England have won their last 2 matches.
England have won their last 2 home matches by 1 point.
England have never lost to Italy (31 games).
Italy have lost 2 of their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

England have won all 31 previous matches against Italy. Last season, however, England only managed a 27-24 victory in Rome.

England Form

England are still in with a shout at the Six Nations title, but they will need plenty to go their way. They are on 10 points from two games with their main focus on picking up a win here.

After losing in round one to Ireland 27-22 in Dublin, England bounced back with two successive one-point home wins. They beat France with a last minute try to win 26-25 before seeing off Scotland 16-15 last time out.

While they have not been convincing, England are vastly improved from last season. A bonus point win here will be the target, but Italy are certainly no easy beats.

England Injuries & Team News

Marcus Smith misses out on selection with week with Finn Smith retaining the 10 jumper for the third successive game.

Italy Form

Italy will be disappointed overall with their performance this season. They have won one and lost two of their three games.

In round one, Italy were impressive in Scotland but a slow start didn’t help their cause in defeat. They bounced back to beat Wales 22-15 at home the following week.

In round three, however, Italy were wiped aside by France in Rome, losing 73-24. While Italy have a good side, they have grown a tendency to be blown away from time to time.