2026 Six Nations Rugby Round 4 - Italy vs. England Preview: Will the Azzurri finally break the Red Roses? March 5, 2026 by Marc Jerbs

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The fourth round of the 2026 Six Nations Championship will feature an intriguing clash between Italy and England at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, March 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:40 PM GMT, with both sides aiming to secure valuable points as the tournament heads toward its final stages.

This Round 4 encounter is shaping up to be one of the most compelling fixtures of the tournament. Historically, England has dominated this matchup, with Italy yet to claim a victory in their previous 32 meetings. Because of that long-standing record, the contest has often been overlooked by neutral fans.

However, the current circumstances suggest that this year’s meeting could be very different. Italy’s recent progress and improved performances have sparked optimism that they might finally break through and record a historic first win over England.

Team Form and Recent Performances

Italy, nicknamed the Azzurri, has arguably been playing some of the best rugby in its history. They already secured an impressive home victory against Scotland national rugby union team and managed to collect a losing bonus point against Ireland national rugby union team. They also showed strong resilience in a tough away fixture versus France national rugby union team, remaining competitive against one of the tournament’s strongest sides.

England, also known as the Red Roses, has struggled to maintain consistency. Their performances in the last two rounds have raised questions about form and cohesion, leaving the team under pressure heading into this important matchup.

Italy vs. England Sports Bet Odds

Here are our latest game betting 3-way odds:

• Handicap (+/- 7): The spread is dead even, with both Italy (+7) and England (-7) priced at 2.00. A Handicap Tie (England winning by exactly 7) is the longshot at 17.00.
• Total Points: If you're betting on the scoreboard, Over 53 is priced at 2.00, while Under 51 sits at 2.10. For those predicting a tight finish, a total landing between 51–53 is available at 10.00.
• Match Result: For a straight win, England is the favorite at 1.41, Italy is the underdog at 3.10, and the Draw is a high-risk 29.00.

Key Factors

Much of the outcome will depend on whether both teams bring their recent form into this contest. England still possesses a squad filled with high-level talent and greater depth, meaning they are fully capable of producing a strong rebound performance.

Yet Italy enters the match with confidence, momentum, and the advantage of playing in front of a passionate home crowd in Rome. If they maintain their current level of performance, this could represent their best opportunity yet to defeat England.

Final Thought

If Italy can rise to the occasion and make history, this match could mark a defining moment for Italian rugby and signal a genuine shift in the competitive balance within the Six Nations.

2026 Guinness Six Nations Table

#	Team	Wins	Draws	Losses	Points
1	France	3	0	0	15
2	Scotland	2	0	1	11
3	Ireland	2	0	1	9
4	England	1	0	2	5
5	Italy	1	0	2	5
6	Wales	0	0	3	1