What followed was a pair of humiliating defeats by Scotland and Ireland, which have left the Red Rose reeling and in dire need of a pick-me-up. Whether Borthwick’s 12 changes to the squad bring that uptick in fortunes remains to be seen.
In years gone by, Italy might have been considered a presentable chance to get back to form, but gone are the days when the Azzurri would be sent packing with a wooden spoon every year – this will be a serious test for England.
Italy stunned Scotland on home turf in week one, but have since suffered a narrow defeat by Ireland and a rather more one-sided loss to France.
They will take heart, too, from having run Ireland close on matchday two, and will hope to repay the faith of the home support with another memorable win here.
For England, it is do or die. With a win, they could still end this forgettable campaign in a respectable fashion, but defeat will leave them languishing in the depths of the table.
Italy vs England date, kick-off time and venue
Italy vs England takes place today, Saturday March 7, 2026 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:40pm GMT, which is 5:40pm local time.
How to watch Italy vs England
TV channel: In the UK, Italy vs England is being shown live and free to air on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 3:35pm GMT.
Live stream: Fans can also watch the game live online via the ITVX website and app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Italy vs England team news
Following a dismal performance in the defeat by Ireland, Borthwick has decided to start afresh. He has made 12 changes to his England team to face Italy – nine personnel and three positional.
It is the most changes ever made by an England coach between two Six Nations games. Only captain Maro Itoje, Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, Tom Curry, Ben Earl and Tommy Freeman keep their places.
Henry Pollock is dropped to the bench after making his full Test debut last time out.
Keys to the attack: Fin Smith replaces George Ford at fly-half for England
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Luke Cowan-Dickie is unseated at hooker by Jamie George and Ollie Chessum in the second row by Alex Coles, with Tom Curry rotating from blindside flanker to the openside as Guy Pepper returns and Earl goes back to number eight.
And there has been a comprehensive shakeup in the backs, too, with only Freeman keeping his place in the XV. He moves from wing to outside centre, where he will be partnered by Six Nations debutant Seb Atkinson.
Ben Spencer and Fin Smith are at half-back, with a back three of Cadan Murley, Tom Roebuck and Elliot Daly.
Borthwick has left some big names out, with none of Fraser Dingwall, Henry Arundell, Freddie Steward or George Ford even in the 23-man matchday squad. Ollie Lawrence is injured.
Back in the fold: Juan Ignacio Brex starts for Italy against England
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Italy show three changes from their loss in Lille, with Juan Ignacio Brex back in midfield and resuming his partnership with Tommaso Menoncello after a period of absence due to personal reasons.
Ange Capuozzo suffered a shoulder injury against France as Lorenzo Pani deputises at full-back, with Leonardo Marin also dropping out.
Alessandro Garbisi gets the nod at scrum-half over Alessandro Fusco, starting alongside older brother Paolo. The starting pack is unchanged.
Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, Muhamed Hasa and Tommaso Allan all come on to the bench.
Italy XV: Pani; Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, A Garbisi; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari; N Cannone, Zambonin; Lamaro (c), Zuliani, L Cannone
Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Fusco, Marin, Allan
England XV: Daly; Roebuck, Freeman, Atkinson, Murley; F Smith, Spencer; Genge, George, Heyes; Itoje (c), Coles; Pepper, Curry, Earl
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Chessum, Underhill, Pollock, Van Poortvliet, M Smith
Italy vs England head to head (h2h) history and results
Italy are the only team in the Six Nations never to have beaten England. Last year’s meeting ended 47-24 in favour of the Red Rose at Twickenham.
England produced a routine win when they last faced Italy
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Italy vs England prediction
England’s Six Nations campaign hinges on this match, and Borthwick will hope that his selection gamble pays off against this rejuvenated Italy side.
The much-changed team can only be a positive after such a dour performance against Ireland, but with so much rotation and some of the squad’s most experienced players left out, one wonders if Borthwick has overplayed his hand.
Italy, granted, are the second-weakest team in this competition, but they have shown their ability to match the quality of both Scotland and Ireland for long stretches.
There is little to suggest Italy cannot do the same against England – but it will be a close match.
Italy to win, by five points.
Italy vs England match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).