England v Italy: Famous fixtures

3 Sep 2019 | 4 min |

With England taking on Italy in Newcastle this weekend, we take a look back at five famous fixtures between the nations.

2001: ENG 80 - 23 ITA

Jason Robinson made his Test debut off the bench in England’s 80-23 win over Italy at Twickenham.

Italy played the first half with real intent and two tries, courtesy of Denis Dallan and Carlo Checchinato, as well as 13 points from the boot of Andrea Scanavacca saw the visitors trail England 33-23 at the break.

An Austin Healey double and Iain Balshaw effort had already been scored in that first period, and further tries from Ben Cohen, Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Greenwood, Mark Regan, Joe Worsley, Jonny Wilkinson and another from Balshaw sealed the win.

17 Feb 2001: Jason Robinson of England breaks away from the Italian defence during the match between England v Italy in the SIx Nations Championship at Twickenham, London. Mandatory Credit: Clive Mason/ALLSPORT

2004: ITA 9 - 50 ENG

In their first game since being crowed World champions, England lived up to the title, with a comprehensive 9-50 win over Italy in Rome.

Jason Robinson’s hat-trick was the stand out performance as Clive Woodward’s men racked up seven tries in total for their Six Nations campaign opener.

Iain Balshaw, Josh Lewsey, Chris Jones and Paul Grayson also crossed the whitewash, with the latter contributing 15 points from the boot. The Azzuri fought hard, but could only manage nine points through Rima Wakarua: two penalties and a drop goal.

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 15: Ben Cohen of England takes on Andrea Masi of Italy during the RBS 2004 SIx Nations match between Italy and England at The Flaminio Stadium on February 15, 2004 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

2008: ITA 19 - 23 ENG

Jonny Wilkinson passed 1000 Test points in Rome as England fought to a 19-23 victory, their narrowest over Italy.

The converted tries of Paul Sackey and Toby Flood, as well as two Wilkinson penalties raced England to a 20-6 half-time lead, but a second half fightback would give England fans a scare.

Azzuri full-back David Bortolussi notched up eight points from the boot, and substitute scrum-half Simon Picone scored a late try to set up a tense finish, but England held on.

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 10: Jonny Wilkinson, the England standoff, who became the first English player to score over a 1000 test points in his career, poses after the RBS Six Natiions match between Italy and England at the Stadio Flaminio on February 10, 2008 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

2011: ENG 59 - 13 ITA

Chris Ashton became the first England player to score four tries in a Six Nations match since 1914 as Martin Johnson’s side beat Italy 59-13 at Twickenham.

Ashton bagged the first after just three minutes, supporting the break of Toby Flood to canter under the sticks unopposed, with his trademark swallow dive. His second and third were close range scores, one off the shoulder of Shontayne Hape, and the other a pick-and-go after a strong Matt Banahan carry.

Banahan then provided Ashton’s fourth, set loose on an arcing run from inside his own half, he unleashed Ashton on an inside line to go over in the 75th minute. He was joined on the try sheet by Mark Cueto, Mike Tindall, Danny Care and James Haskell, whilst Flood contributed 13 points, and Jonny Wilkinson six.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Chris Ashton of England dives over to score his team's eighth try try during the RBS 6 Nations Championship match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium on February 12, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

2017: ENG 36 - 15 ITA

Controversy shrouded the first half of this Anglo-Italian clash at Twickenham, in a Test eventually won by England 36-15.

Italy’s no ruck tactic caused the home side issues in the first half, and Conor O’Shea’s men led 10-5 at the break.

But two quick second half tries from Danny Care and Elliot Daly put England back in the ascendancy, and although Michele Campagnaro's score brought it close, a Ben Te'o try, and then two from replacement Jack Nowell saw England run out victors.

The win acted as their tenth successive in the Six Nations, and extend the winning streak to 17 matches.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Jack Nowell of England celebrates his first try during the RBS Six Nations match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium on February 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)