England Vs Italy Preview, Prediction, Team News And Lineups Ahead Of Six Nations Fixture

England Vs Italy Preview

Round four of the Six Nations sees England and Italy face off in South West London on Sunday afternoon.

Steve Borthwick’s England side lost 27-22 to Ireland on the opening weekend before edging one-point games against France and Scotland.

England sit third in the table, and could still win the championship – albeit unlikely – if results go their way.

Italy, meanwhile, were beaten by Scotland in round one, but overcame Wales 22-15 a week later.

They took a record-breaking hammering against France last time out, though, and will be desperate to put in a better performance.

But England remain one of the few international sides Italy have never beaten in their history.

As such, the best UK rugby betting sites expect England to maintain their perfect record against the Azzurri. England are massive 1/20 favourites, with Italy at 16/1.

For a closer look at the best England Vs Italy stats, check out our full article here.

England Vs Italy Team News

England:

Jamie George is set to make his 100th England appearance 👏🌹

Head coach Steve Borthwick has named his match day squad to face Italy at @allianz_stad on Sunday.@O2 | #WearTheRose

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 5, 2025

The biggest selection call from Borthwick is the decision to drop Harlequins’ Marcus Smith to the bench.

Usually a fly-half, Smith had started at fullback in England’s recent wins over France and Scotland, but drops to the bench in place of Elliot Daly.

Northampton’s Fraser Dingwall comes into the centres, with Henry Slade reportedly carrying a slight knock.

Former skipper Jamie George starts at hooker for his 100th cap, becoming just the seventh man to reach a century for England.

In the back row, Tom Curry has shaken off a dead leg to start alongside Tom Willis and Ben Earl, with brother Ben Curry once again on the bench.

Leicester scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet returns to the bench in favour of Bristol’s Harry Randall.

Italy:

🇮🇹 The @Federugby side to take on England this weekend 🙌#GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/qeX8J8RS1K

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 7, 2025

England Vs Italy Confirmed Lineups

England:

Starting XV: Daly; Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Sleightholme; F Smith, Mitchell; Genge, George, Stuart, Itoje, Chessum, T Curry, Earl, Willis

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Baxter, Heyes, Hill, Cunningham-South, B Curry, Van Poortvliet, M Smith

Italy:

Starting XV: Capuozzo, Ioane, Ignacio Brex, Menoncello, Gallagher, Garbisi, Varney, Vintcent, Lamaro, Negri, Ruzza, Cannone, Riccioni, Nicotera, Fischetti

Replacements:  Lucchesi, Spagnolo, Ferrari, Favretto, Zuliani, Cannone, Page-Relo, Allan

England Vs Italy Prediction

England need maximum points if they are to have any chance of lifting the title – provided France can beat Ireland.

We therefore expect Steve Borthwick’s side to play a bit more attacking rugby than we’ve seen recently, hopefully creating a more open game.

With the handbrake off and both teams looking to score, we expect a good number of tries, but think England will eventually prove too strong for the Italians.

Prediction: England 37-28 Italy