Italy’s Historic Victory at Stadio Olimpico
In a landmark achievement for Italian rugby, Italy registered their first-ever win against England in men’s Test rugby on March 7, 2026, at the Stadio Olimpico. The match concluded with a score of 23-18, marking a significant milestone in the history of the sport for Italy.
The match was characterized by intense competition, with Italy scoring 13 unanswered points in the last 25 minutes to secure their victory. Tommaso Menoncello and Leonardo Marin both contributed tries to the Italian score, while Paolo Garbisi added three penalties, showcasing a well-rounded team effort. The victory was particularly sweet for Italy, as they had faced England 33 times prior to this match without a single win.
Before this historic match, England had maintained a perfect record against Italy, with their previous encounters often resulting in significant defeats for the Italian side. The most notable of these was an 80-23 loss in 2001. The first meeting between the two teams took place in 1991 at Twickenham, setting the stage for a long-standing rivalry.
The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was electric, with nearly 50,000 Italian fans and 20,000 English supporters in attendance. The crowd witnessed a thrilling contest that saw Italy rise to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and determination. Michele Lamaro, the captain of the Italian rugby team, expressed the palpable tension felt by the players, stating, “We entered the field with a palpable tension, but we believed in it in every second.”
Gonzalo Quesada, the head coach of the Italian team, highlighted the significance of the victory, saying, “To win today, with expectations to win against an amazing England side, is such a big step in our growth.” His sentiments were echoed by Tommaso Menoncello, who remarked, “I still can’t believe it. I’m very emotional. I dreamed of this moment all week.”
This victory not only represents a turning point for Italian rugby but also serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the sport. The match was not without its challenges, as Quesada noted, “These are not nice games and not beautiful, but I think we totally deserve this win.” The team’s ability to perform under pressure was crucial in overcoming their historical struggles against England.
As Italy celebrates this monumental win at the Stadio Olimpico, the rugby community reflects on the significance of this moment. It marks a new chapter in the rivalry between these two nations and sets the stage for future encounters. The victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, who have persevered through years of adversity.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of this win for future matches in the Six Nations tournament, but the excitement and pride felt by Italian fans are undeniable. This victory will surely be remembered as a defining moment in the history of Italian rugby.
