Italy vs England LIVE RESULT – Six Nations 2024: Outstanding Italy closer than ever to their first win over England
ITALY came closer than they have been to a win over England in their narrow 27-24 loss in the Six Nations.
George Ford saved the visitors from their first loss against Italy by scoring 17 points.
Ford hammered over five penalties and a conversion but Gonzalo’s Quesada’s Italians made sure this was no Roman holiday.
- Italy XV: Allan; Pani, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi; A Garbisi; Fischetti, Lucchesi, Ceccarelli; N Cannone, Ruzza; Negri, Lamaro (c), L Cannone
- England XV: Steward; Freeman, Slade, Dingwall, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Marler, George (c), Stuart; Itoje, Chessum; Roots, Underhill, Earl
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Follow our live blog below...
Twickenham hosts classic battle
Next weekend England will welcome Wales in the Six Nations.
There have been some epic contests between the two teams over the years but Steve Borthwick will be keen to get a second win under their belt.
Warren Gatland's side face Scotland in Cardiff this afternoon before they can start to think about next week's showdown.
Tries still hard to come by
One of the biggest difficulties England have had under Steve Borthwick is the ability to score tries.
It still seems to be the case and they are having to rely on the boot far too often.
Against better sides in this Six Nations, just having a good kicking game will not be enough.
Ford saves England in Rome
Not originally planned to be playing today, the injury to Marcus Smith gave George Ford his starting place today.
In the end, it was Ford who prevented an embarrassing afternoon against the Italians.
Ford scored 17 points and contributed towards England's victory hugely.
Credit: Getty
FT: Italy 24-27 England
Ethan Roots is awarded the Guinness Six Nations player of the match.
Not a bad performance on your debut.
All in all, it is a solid win for England although many would not have expected them to work so hard for it after their World Cup showing.
FT: Italy 24-27 England
After Ioane ghosts down the wing to score a late try, Italy add the conversion for the losing bonus point.
It is also the most points Italy have scored against England.
They have proved a real handful here today.
Try - Monty Ioane (Italy)
Italy 17-27 England
80+2. Italy are pushing for a losing bonus point now.
Deep in English territory, trying to find a try.
England will be keen to get the ball into touch now.
Yellow card - Michele Lamaro (Italy)
Italy 17-27 England
79. England continue to drive forward.
Within touching distance of the Italian line now.
They work through the phases and look to drive through the tackles.
Italy 17-27 England
77. That yellow card has changed the mindset for the remainder of this game for England.
It is a more defence-minded approach with Italy having the man advantage.
Italy lose the ball and England are able to steam forward.
Credit: Getty Yellow card - Fraser Dingwall (England)
Italy 17-27 England
75. Dingwall could be in a bit of trouble hear for a clear trip.
Tommaso Allan seemed to be heading past him until the left leg came out.
TMO is having a look at this one.
Italy 17-27 England
73. You cannot see a way back into this for Italy now.
They are struggling to punch a hole in this English defence.
Steve Borthwick's side have taken play deep into Italian territory, looking to see the clock run down now.
Italy 17-27 England
71. Italy are starting to press now.
Again though discipline is a problem for the hosts.
Penalty awarded to England.
Italy 17-27 England
69. England are penalised for collapsing the scrum.
Chance for Italy to put some pressure on from the line out.
The hosts look to work through the phases in the English half.
Italy 17-27 England
67. That is the last action for the day for George Ford.
17 points in the game will be seen as a good day for him.
Chandler Cunningham-South will now take over kicking duties.
Credit: AP Penalty - George Ford (England)
Italy 17-24 England
65. The indiscipline costs Italy once more.
Gifting England a penalty in a dangerous position.
Chance for Ford to put distance between the two sides.
Italy 17-24 England
63. England force Italy back to their own twenty-two.
Varney manages to clear to halfway for the Italians.
Steve Borthwick will want to see his side stamp their authority on this game from the position they find themselves in now.
Italy 17-24 England
61. Italy are trying to find a way back into this game now.
The missed penalty moments ago was a big chance missed.
Instead, the Italians try to drive forward, targetting that English line.
Italy 17-24 England
59. England have a line out near the halfway line.
The referee then changes his mind and awards it to Italy.
He saw it clipping an English heel before going out of play.
Italy 17-24 England
57. Promising break from Italy and England's defensive line are in no position to recover.
They seem to win it back but are penalised once again.
Chance for the hosts to put some points on the board.
Italy 17-24 England
55. This game is starting to get away from the Italians now.
They need to put some points on the board to stay within touching distance of the visitors.
England are penalised for a knock on.
Credit: Getty Penalty - George Ford (England)
Italy 17-21 England
53. Italy's indiscipline costs them once again.
England were struggling to create anything, getting bogged down in the challenge.
However, Italy gift them a penalty and the chance for more points on the board.