After a nip-tuck first-half, England pulled away from Italy in the second half at the Allianz Stadium and produced some of their best attacking rugby of the Six Nations to boot.

The victory now keeps England in the hunt to win the Six Nations along with France, Ireland and – remotely – Scotland heading into the final weekend of action.

Here Telegraph Sport gives you the verdict on the performances on both sides.

England

15. Elliot Daly

Signalled England’s attacking intent by leading out the first long ball. Moved to outside centre and was generally assured, but gave away a couple of penalties. 6/10

14. Tommy Freeman

An argument to say he has been England’s player of the tournament. Continued his telepathic understanding with Fin Smith and some really good defensive reads. 7/10

13. Ollie Lawrence

Such a shame. Would have been right in the mix for a Lions starting shirt, but now that appears to be a long shot after looking to have done to his achilles. N/A

12. Fraser Dingwall

Most noticeable contribution was to get cut in half by Vintcent, yet helped get the ball to the outside backs effectively, again sacrificing himself to set up Sleightholme’s first try. 6/10

11. Ollie Sleightholme

Relished his two tries after being starved of service for much of this Championship. Did get a couple of things wrong and doesn’t quite seem to trust his instincts in space. 6/10

10. Fin Smith

In common with England’s attack was a bit ‘bitty’. Some lovely touches but also a couple of poor decisions. Excellent kicking off the tee. 6/10

9. Alex Mitchell

Looked far more assured after his wobbly performance against Scotland. Crisp passing and his kicking was a lot more on the money. 7/10

1. Ellis Genge

Probably his quietest performance of the Championship so far. Won an early scrum penalty but then got pinged for sealing off right in front of the posts. 6/10

2. Jamie George

Came out firing. The lineout was excellent with a real variation of throws and a pearl of an offload for Sleightholme’s try. However he was skinned alive by Capuozzo. 6/10

3. Will Stuart

The Will Stuart for Lions captain bandwagon continues to grow momentum with a Fijian style double step.  Fischetti gave him his toughest scrummaging test. 7/10

4. Maro Itoje

Embodied England’s desire to play with ambition. That worked wonderfully to set up Sleightholme’s try but guilty of a terrible decision, diving for the line on to about 29 Italian bodies. 6/10

5. Ollie Chessum

Outstanding. Even as England’s energy collectively dipped in the second half, he took it on his shoulders to provide impetus. Great maul defence before halftime too. 8/10

6. Tom Curry

Turned it on in the second half with a sumptuous offload to Marcus Smith and then powered over for a try of his own. Looked in a bad way when he went off. 7/10

7. Ben Earl

Try at death was just reward for his perseverance as the game’s top ball carrier. Right on the bubble of the Lions back row permutations and needs a big show in Cardiff. 7/10

8. Tom Willis

Looks to be 70 per cent strapping but showed some big boy power for his try after forcing the initial turnover. Looked to be hitting his stride just as he was replaced. 7/10

Replacements

Marcus Smith: exile did not last long. Scored a try but was also targeted under the high ball. Otherwise the bench failed to add energy to a flat second half. 6/10

Luke Cowan-Dickie (for George, 54), Fin Baxter (for Genge, 60), Joe Heyes (for Stuart, 60), Ted Hill (for T Curry, 56-59, for Dingwall, 73), Chander Cunningham-South (for Earl, 50), Ben Curry (for Willis, 45), Jack van Poortvliet (for Michell, 64), Marcus Smith (for Lawrence, 8)

Italy

15. Ange Capuozzo 6/10
14. Monty Ioane 5/10
13. Juan Ignacio Brex 6/10
12. Tommaso Menoncello 5/10
11. Matt Gallagher 4/10
10. Paolo Garbisi 3/10
9. Stephen Varney 4/10
1. Danilo Fischetti 5/10
2. Giacomo Nicotera 6/10
3. Marco Riccioni 4/10
4. Niccolò Cannone 5/10
5. Federico Ruzza 5/10
6. Sebastian Negri 7/10
7. Michele Lamaro 5/10
8. Ross Vintcent 5/10

Replacements 5/10