2025 Six Nations preview: England v Italy

3 Mar 2025 | 4 min | 1

2025 Six Nations preview: England v Italy

Everything you need to know as England host Italy in the penultimate round of the 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations.

Robshaw's Six Nations column

England's first game in Italy

Steve Borthwick’s England will head into the match with confidence after securing two hard-fought wins against France and Scotland and currently sit third in the table, four points behind leaders Ireland and one point behind France.

The hosts have the added assurance of a perfect win record against Italy, who were dealt a heavy 24-73 defeat by Les Bleus in the previous round. They will also be looking to put in a strong performance as Jamie George celebrates his 100th England Test cap.

However, the Azzurri took England close in 2024 and will look to build on some strong performances in this year’s tournament, most notably besting Wales 22-15 in Rome.

Where	Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
When	Sunday 9 March
Kick-off	15:00
Where to watch	ITV

England squad to face Italy

Match day squad

Last time out

Select your England XV

Stats & facts

England have won all 25 of their Guinness Men’s Six Nations matches against Italy, they are the only side to hold a 100% win rate against another team in the Championship.

Across their 12 previous Six Nations matches against Italy at Allianz Stadium, England have failed to score 4+ tries just twice, drawing a blank in an 18-11 win in 2013 and scoring just once in a 20-7 victory in 2007.

England have won four consecutive home games in the Six Nations, with the last three of those all coming by just one point. They have also won back to back men’s Test matches by just a single point for the first time since 1937.

Italy’s Sebastian Negri has made more tackles (50) than anyone else in the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, as well as the most dominant tackles (9); collectively Italy (53) and England (45) have made more dominant tackles than any other sides in the Championship.

Ollie Chessum Secondary Image — Ollie Chessum takes on the Italian defence.

England top the charts for gainline success (63%), tackle evasion (26%) and dominant carries (38%).

Maro Itoje has made 498 tackles in his Six Nations career, two more and he’ll become the fifth player to reach 500 after Alun Wyn Jones (752), Jonny Gray (579), Taulupe Faletau (577) and Sergio Parisse (540); Itoje (52) also needs just two more turnovers won to overtake Brian O’Driscoll (53) as the player to win the most in the Championship’s history.

Jamie George could win his 100th cap for England against Italy, he’d be the seventh player to reach this milestone for the England men’s team after Ben Youngs (127), Dan Cole (118), Jason Leonard (114), Owen Farrell (112), Courtney Lawes (105) and Danny Care (101).

Keep your eye on

Will Stuart’s scrummaging. The Bath prop was rock-solid in the set piece against Scotland and won a number of scrum penalties for his side during crucial moments.

A Saintly back-line. Steve Borthwick has named a back-line with five Northampton Saints involved, including Tommy Freeman who has three tries from three games. Fraser Dingwall, who made his debut against Italy, also makes his first start since scoring a try against Wales during last year's Six Nations.

Jamie George’s impact. The talismanic George is set to make his 100th appearance for his country and has injected energy when coming on as a replacement this year.

Ted Hill’s work rate. The flanker only came off the bench with 10 seconds of regular time remaining against Scotland, but managed three tackles in that time.