Italy to take inspiration from shock U20s result

Italy are hoping lightning strikes twice when they face England in Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

For the first time in their history, the Azzurri’s under-20s defeated their English counterparts – last year’s grand slam winners – in Treviso on Friday night to give credibility to the belief they are producing young players of genuine international promise.

But it would be an even bigger upset if Italy toppled Eddie Jones’ men this weekend.

England have won all 28 previous meetings in a series dating back to 1991 and apart from close run visits to Rome in 2008, 2010 and 2012, they have prevailed comfortably in the Six Nations.

Italy opened 2022 with a 37-10 defeat by France and while their performance was spirited, head coach Kieran Crowley knows their 33-match losing streak must end soon to stop questions over the credibility of their presence in the tournament.

Crowley said: “We know we have to start pulling our weight. I’m not against promotion-relegation. It might be a good thing. That’s a decision for the boardrooms.

“What I will say is that we can silence that chat with our own performances.”