Italy vs England LIVE!

England made a victorious start to their 2024 Six Nations campaign on Saturday, but were very far from having everything their own way in Rome. The new-look Azzurri under Gonzalo Quesada enjoyed a brilliant opening to proceedings in the second match of round one, registering first-half tries through Alessandro Garbisi and Tommaso Allan either side of a score from Elliot Daly.

But George Ford's trusty boot kept England well within firing distance and they took control in the second half, with the veteran Sale fly-half finishing with 17 points in total and Alex Mitchell also notching an important try shortly after the interval. Italy failed to find the same level of performance, but did secure a losing bonus point and their closest-ever points margin against England courtesy of Monty Ioane's last-gasp try.

Steve Borthwick will know that big improvement is needed as England prepare to face Wales at Twickenham next weekend, while next up for Italy is a daunting trip to face defending Grand Slam champions Ireland in Dublin. Follow Italy vs England reaction live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport's rugby correspondent Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Italy vs England highlights

• TRY! Ioane grabs last-gasp losing bonus point

• Late yellow cards for Daly and Lamaro

• Ford stretches England lead to 10 from the tee

• TRY! Mitchell strikes early in second half

• Ford penalties cut Italy lead to three at break

• TRY! Allan touches down for the Azzurri

• TRY! England hit back through Daly

• TRY! Alessandro Garbisi scores after fine start

Steve Borthwick reaction

16:47 , George Flood

Here's the England head coach speaking to ITV Sport...

"I think there are certainly positives to pull out of it, but it looked clunky in bits.

"It looked like a team which only had three training sessions together, but credit to Italy.

"They had a certain part of cohesion picking players from one club [Benetton] which sits second in the United Rugby Championship.

"But a winning start with five debutants and the ability to be in a difficult position and find your way out of it is a massive positive.

"You are always looking for change. There are certainly things to be improved and we got exposed by an Italian team that moves the ball well, but we will improve on that next week."

Italy 24-27 England

16:18 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

Well, England have won, but only by three points in the end.

The Red Rose men went hunting a third score at the death, to put a positive seal on a tricky day.

Instead, Italy sneaked up the pitch and Monty Ioane raced away for the Azzurri’s third try.

Allan’s conversion meant England won by just 27-24.

Italy’s try was celebrated by the crowd almost as though they had won.

England did get the result in the end, but the performance throws up just as many questions as answers.

Italy 24-27 England

16:11 , George Flood

Full-time

TRY! Italy 24-27 England | Monty Ioane 85'

16:10 , George Flood

85 mins: Italy with a third try at the death!

They will get that losing bonus point after all.

Brilliant from Monty Ioane, who gets up off the deck to brush off Fraser Dingwall and charge through.

The conversion is made and Italy finish within three points.

They've never got closer than that to England before in 30 attempts.

Much food for thought for Steve Borthwick.

Italy 17-27 England

16:09 , George Flood

83 mins: England go for a scrum from their next penalty with Michele Lamaro off the pitch, but Beno Obano is whistled and the chance is lost.

Still we play on in Rome...

Italy 17-27 England

16:06 , George Flood

80 mins: It's 14 men apiece for the final seconds as Italy captain Michele Lamaro joins Elliot Daly in the sin bin.

He's punished for collapsing the maul and here come England once again...

Italy 17-27 England

16:05 , George Flood

79 mins: Multiple Italian infringements under considerable pressure give England a late penalty that they knock into the corner.

Here comes the rolling maul as they look to finish with a flourish in Rome.

Italy 17-27 England

16:04 , George Flood

78 mins: The full set of England Test debutants is now complete.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso might have feared that he might not get on after Elliot Daly's yellow card, but the Exeter wing now replaces Tommy Freeman.

Italy 17-27 England

16:02 , George Flood

78 mins: Italy boom into touch for an attacking lineout after Elliot Daly's sin-binning, but it's stolen.

And with that go any chances of a dramatic late comeback from the Azzurri, who have been really disappointing in this second half.

Italy 17-27 England

16:01 , George Flood

75 mins: Andrea Zambonin into the Italian second row, replacing Federico Ruzza.

England have replaced captain Jamie George with Theo Dan.

Alex Coles and Beno Obano also replace Ollie Chessum and Joe Marler.

Italy 17-27 England

15:59 , George Flood

75 mins: England are going to finish this match with 14 men.

Elliot Daly is shown yellow for a trip on Tommaso Menoncello.

Late hope for Italy of at least a losing bonus point?

Italy 17-27 England

15:57 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

Ford’s fifth penalty has pushed England into a 10-point lead, and that has also proved his last act of the afternoon.

As on comes Fin Smith for his Test debut.

The Northampton star has been in strong form for his club, and now has the chance to shine in England white, too.

Italy 17-27 England

15:55 , George Flood

71 mins: Italy attack off a scrum penalty given for collapsing against replacement tighthead Dan Cole.

They are in down the left, but Federico Mori - who replaced Lorenzo Pani a few minutes ago - is cut down by a brilliant tackle from Chandler Cunningham-South.

The Harlequins flanker is quickly up into the breakdown and forces the pressure-relieving penalty.

Italy 17-27 England

15:54 , George Flood

69 mins: Should mention that Mirco Spagnolo and Alessandro Izekor are also on for their Italian debuts.

Italy 17-27 England

15:51 , George Flood

68 mins: George Ford and Sam Underhill make way for England debutants Fin Smith and Chandler Cunningham-South.

PENALTY! Italy 17-27 England | George Ford 66'

15:49 , George Flood

66 mins: George Ford's last contribution in this game is to kick over his fifth penalty of the afternoon.

He finishes with 17 points off the boot in total. England lead by 10 with less than 15 minutes to go.

The wind has truly gone out of the Italian sails here.

They've been very flat in this second half after such a vibrant performance before the break.

England dominant since half-time and much stronger in defence.

Italy 17-24 England

15:47 , George Flood

65 mins: Chandler Cunningham-South and Fin Smith will both be on for their England debuts very soon.

Before that, George Ford lines up one last kick at goal after another Italy error in defence, not rolling away after the tackle.

Italy 17-24 England

15:43 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

A big let-off for England there as Allan missed a reasonably straightforward penalty.

Italy caught England napping breaking blind off a scrum, but could not turn the smart attack into points.

England might lead 24-17 heading into the final quarter, but they are not out of the woods yet.

Italy 17-24 England

15:42 , George Flood

62 mins: Neither side is looking particularly impressive now with ball in hand as we enter the final quarter of the game in Rome.

Italy try to kick-start another running attack, but a fine hit from Joe Marler drives them back and there's a knock-on.

Italy 17-24 England

15:39 , George Flood

60 mins: Danny Care is now on for Alex Mitchell at scrum-half for England.

The visitors think they have a lineout near halfway but the ball clipped the heel of Sam Underhill on the way out.

Italy 17-24 England

15:38 , George Flood

58 mins: Oh that's a bad, bad miss from Tommaso Allan.

How important could that be? England's seven-point lead is still intact.

Italy 17-24 England

15:37 , George Flood

56 mins: Dan Cole is the first man off the bench for England.

The vastly experienced prop replaces Will Stuart.

Italy lead a brilliant break down the left and have a penalty now that Tommaso Allan will kick at goal after England are pinged for offside.

Italy 17-24 England

15:35 , George Flood

55 mins: Zuliani, Zilocchi and Nicotera all into the Italy pack now.

Gloucester's Stephen Varney has also replaced try-scorer Alessandro Garbisi at scrum-half.

PENALTY! Italy 17-24 England | George Ford 54'

15:33 , George Flood

54 mins: No mistake from the veteran Sale fly-half from the tee.

10 unanswered points from England now after they trailed by three at the break.

They have taken control of proceedings early in this second half.

Italy need another jolt of inspiration and momentum from somewhere.

Italy 17-21 England

15:32 , George Flood

52 mins: Untidy stuff from both sides and the scrum then takes time to get set, Italy eventually conceding the penalty.

George Ford with the chance to extend the England lead to seven.

Italy 17-21 England

15:30 , George Flood

50 mins: England's building momentum is halted by a stellar piece of lineout thievery from Federico Ruzza, winning his 50th Italy cap today.

Italy 17-21 England

15:26 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

England now lead for the first time in the match, thanks to Alex Mitchell’s smart finish.

The half-time team talk clearly had the desired effect, with England immediately looking more focused and accurate in their approach.

TRY! Italy 17-21 England | Alex Mitchell 45'

15:23 , George Flood

45 mins: England get the early second-half score they needed!

It's determined stuff from scrum-half Alex Mitchell, who delays a pass before spinning out of the attempted tackle from Tommaso Menoncello.

Two more defenders can't stop him and he touches down.

George Ford adds the extras and England lead for the first time this afternoon.

Italy 17-14 England

15:21 , George Flood

43 mins: Not a great start to the second half from England as a Maro Itoje knock-on leads to an Italy scrum.

Tommy Freeman has been their best player so far this afternoon and almost plays himself in down the right flank with an excellent chip.

But the ball just bobbles out of play before he can collect.

No changes from either side at the break, by the way.

Italy 17-14 England

15:19 , George Flood

Back underway at the Stadio Olimpico!

Are Italy on for a famous, famous win here?

A reminder again that they have never beaten England in 30 previous attempts. The closest they came was within four points, twice.

They have not led England at half-time of a Six Nations game in Rome since 2012.

This is their first half-time lead since they went on to beat Wales in the 2022 Six Nations, a result that snapped their seven-year losing run.

They have not won another since then.

Stat attack

15:16 , George Flood

A big moment for Tommy Allan...

Italy 17-14 England

15:09 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

Daly was only an unfortunate bounce of the ball away from probably grabbing a second score for England, but instead the visitors go into half-time trailing 17-14.

And in all honesty they cannot argue with that score.

They have built back from some poor defending and sluggish attacking, but they still must improve markedly after the interval to claim the win they so crave.

Italy 17-14 England

15:03 , George Flood

Half-time

Elliot Daly so close to snatching the ball there for another crucial England score!

But he's just undone by the cruel bounce of the ball.

PENALTY! Italy 17-14 England | George Ford 38'

15:00 , George Flood

38 mins: Italy tighthead Pietro Ceccarelli tackles Freddie Steward off the ball and England have another penalty.

Ford makes the kick to reduce the Azzurri lead to just three points.

Italy 17-11 England

14:59 , George Flood

35 mins: England try a long kick in behind that bobbles in that huge dead-ball area and safe.

They have possession back quickly and are moving the ball well through the hands again in attack.

Can they take the lead here before the break with a converted try?

Italy 17-11 England

14:56 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

England have to settle for a penalty from a lengthy attack in the Italy 22.

Wing Elliot Daly even joined a lineout maul at one point, underscoring England’s refusal to desert their pragmatic basis, even if their new-look approach will feature more wide play.

PENALTY! Italy 17-11 England | George Ford 33'

14:55 , George Flood

33 mins: Ford boots over and England come back within six points with just over five minutes until the interval.

Italy 17-8 England

14:54 , George Flood

31 mins: Italy's try-line is being besieged here as England try to tee up a rolling maul from close range after a penalty that is kicked to touch.

They have to remain patient and recycle possession out right, with the sheer brute strength of Tommy Freeman almost driving him over the line.

He's stopped short and the Italian penalties pile up, with England choosing this time to point to the posts.

Italy 17-8 England

14:51 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

Italy open up England again, with another smart move, this time a wraparound in midfield totally outfoxing the visitors.

Full-back Tommy Allan canters home, then converts his own try to put Italy 17-8 up.

That was far too easy a score for England to concede.

TRY! Italy 17-8 England | Tommaso Allan 26'

14:47 , George Flood

26 mins: Absolutely sensational running rugby from confident Italy!

England's defence is absolutely all over the place, Paolo Garbisi coming around on the overlap.

England are totally exposed down their left side as one pass takes out several defenders, Tommaso Allan then sent racing through for their second try of the day.

Allan then makes a simple conversion. Italy back ahead by nine!

Steve Borthwick will be seething with that.

Italy 10-8 England

14:46 , George Flood

22 mins: This is a really good battle now with England having responded to that sluggish start.

Italy have a lineout on the far side and they try to set up Ignacio Brex over the top, but Ben Earl does enough to thwart them.

Italy 10-8 England

14:44 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

England hit back thanks to a lovely Tommy Freeman break, the wing cutting the line in midfield before palming off to Elliot Daly to score.

England back in the game. Now they have to step through the levels.

TRY! Italy 10-8 England | Elliot Daly 18'

14:40 , George Flood

18 mins: England have woken up and hit back!

An easy finish for Elliot Daly in the left corner after a superb break from Tommy Freeman.

Some lovely carries from the likes of Ethan Roots in that move as well.

The conversion is badly missed by Ford so Italy still hold a narrow lead in Rome.

PENALTY! Italy 10-3 England | George Ford 16'

14:36 , George Flood

16 mins: Much better from England in attack as they force the breakdown infringement.

They point to the posts and it's not a good kick at all from George Ford, but it goes over nonetheless.

England on the board after a very ropey start in Rome.

Italy 10-0 England

14:35 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

From bad to worse for an England side still looking undercooked and misaligned.

Ollie Chessum flew out of the defensive line and got his read wrong, leaving Joe Marler unable to close down the gap.

Lorenzo Cannone raced through and then fed Alessandro Garbisi for the game’s first try.

TRY! Italy 10-0 England | Alessandro Garbisi 11'

14:30 , George Flood

11 mins: No less than Italy deserve!

It's another brilliant, incisive and pacy Italy attack that exposes a thoroughly sluggish England defence.

Lorenzo Cannone thunders into contact and tees up scrum-half Alessandro Garbisi to sprint through and score under the posts.

Tommaso Allan adds the conversion. What a start from Italy!

Italy 3-0 England

14:29 , George Flood

9 mins: Italy are gathering more confidence after the first scrum and Tommaso Menoncello crashes through George Ford with another huge carry.

A clever kick then almost finds its way into the path of wing Monty Ioane.

This is very underwhelming stuff from England so far.

Ford is being isolated and targeted by the Italian ball carriers.

Italy 3-0 England

14:24 , George Flood

6 mins: Another cheap penalty conceded by Itoje gives Italy the chance to clear their lines.

But the Saracens lock atones for his ill-discipline by snatching a lineout against the head...

PENALTY! Italy 3-0 England | Paolo Garbisi 5'

14:24 , George Flood

5 mins: The first kick of the afternoon is drilled over by the elder Garbisi brother.

Italy hold a narrow early lead in Rome after a bright start.

Italy 0-0 England

14:23 , George Flood

4 mins: This is sharp attacking play by Italy after a nervy bobbling ball for Elliot Daly to deal with.

They come again in attack and overload smartly to the left, isolating George Ford in defence as Maro Itoje comes out of the line and is whistled for offside.

That will give Italy the chance to put the first points on the board from the tee.

Italy 0-0 England

14:20 , George Flood

2 mins: A few strong carries there from England, including by debutant Ethan Roots.

They are looking to get quick ball, but Ollie Chessum is driven back by fellow lock Federico Ruzza, who then gets the penalty for holding on at the breakdown.

Italy kick to touch midway inside the England 22 to set up their first attacking platform of the afternoon.

Italy vs England

14:18 , George Flood

New Zealand referee Paul Williams blows his whistle and Italy kick to get us underway!

Can England make a statement start to their Six Nations campaign?

Both sides in their familiar home strips, so it's blue against white.

A very early penalty is shipped by Italy hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi, kicked to touch at halfway by England.

Italy vs England

14:14 , George Flood

Few better national anthems around than the rousing Il Canto degli Italiani, which is belted out around the ground after 15,000 travelling English fans join in with God Save the King.

Kick-off is imminent in Rome!

Italy vs England

14:09 , George Flood

Here come the teams at a sun-kissed Stadio Olimpico!

Italy lock Federico Ruzza out first on the occasion of his 50th Azzurri cap.

Jamie George then leads out England for the first time as permanent captain.

Italy vs England

14:06 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

So England’s new era finally gets going in Rome.

England have never lost to Italy, and that’s a record they simply must defend at the Stadio Olimpico.

Ethan Roots and Fraser Dingwall have big opportunities to make a statement about their Test abilities on their international debuts.

Roots looks to have all the qualities required to thrive in the back row, while Dingwall has all the creative offerings required at centre but might have something to prove on the physicality front.

New captain Jamie George has promised a more positive outlook and more attacking rugby. Let’s see if England can deliver.

Quesada: Italy will show 'extraordinary amount of will, passion and desire'

13:58 , George Flood

Your reminder ahead of kick-off that Italy have never previously beaten England, who have won all 30 matches played between the two nations dating back to 1991.

They won 33-0 on their last trip to Rome in 2022, while the 31-14 victory at Twickenham last February was their first under Steve Borthwick.

New Azzurri coach Gonzalo Quesada is under no illusions as to the challenge facing his young side this afternoon as they start their bid to avoid a ninth successive Six Nations wooden spoon following a dreadful World Cup that saw embarrassingly heavy defeats by hosts France and New Zealand in a tough Pool A, but he expects maximum effort, commitment and desire from the off.

Not attributes that Italian sides usually lack, especially at the Stadio Olimpico.

"We know that England will put us under lots of pressure," said the former Argentina fly-half, who has coached the likes of Stade Francais, Racing and Biarritz in recent years.

"Not everything we do will be perfect due to the small amount of time we've had together, but the preparation for the match has been good.

"What is certain is that we will see an Italian team with extraordinary amount of will, passion and desire to do well."

Italy vs England

13:41 , George Flood

A sneak peak inside the England dressing room at the Stadio Olimpico....

Borthwick urges England debutants to take Test opportunity

13:37 , George Flood

Steve Borthwick has called on England's handful of prospective Test debutants to grab their opportunity this afternoon and show why they were selected for the Six Nations in the first place.

Fraser Dingwall and Ethan Roots are in from the off, with Fin Smith, Chandler Cunningham-South and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso all primed to deputise from the bench.

Sale wing Tom Roebuck and Harlequins centre Oscar Beard are two other uncapped players in the wider tournament squad.

"Winning a first cap for your country is always a very special occasion," Borthwick said.

"We're delighted for the debutants who have all worked incredibly hard to get themselves selected in the 23 to face Italy.

"I know Saturday will be a very proud moment for the players and their families.

"My message to them this week has been to be themselves, to grasp their opportunity, and to play with the strengths and skills that deservedly got them selected to a strong Six Nations squad."

Dallaglio: Jamie George can reconnect England team with public

13:19 , George Flood

Jamie George is a hugely positive and exciting selection as England captain, writes Lawrence Dallaglio for Standard Sport.

The Saracens hooker probably should have been given the Red Rose armband two or three years ago.

That is absolutely not to denigrate the great Owen Farrell, who remains a fantastic leader and talisman, but George can bring a renewed feel-good factor to this team, and reconnect them with the English public.

I can see why England talked about people writing them off at the World Cup, but as it was pointed out at the time, no one actually did write them off.

In reality, huge numbers of people want England to do well and are behind them all the way.

Click here to read the column in full

Atmosphere building in Rome

13:06 , George Flood

A brilliant atmosphere is already building in Rome, where it's around 15 degrees and sunny an hour and a bit before kick-off.

By far the best Six Nations away trip of the lot for most fans, especially with no Paris this year.

In-form Obano eager to grab Six Nations chance

12:57 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico

Ellis Genge's late withdrawal with a foot problem sparks an unwanted reshuffle from England, but Bath prop Beno Obano is in the form of his career so will be itching for a chance to transfer that to the Six Nations off the bench.

Genge has struggled to dislodge Joe Marler from England's starting lineup in recent times but remains a big leader in the Red Rose squad and his influence will be missed in Rome.

BREAKING: Injured Genge replaced by Obano in England squad

12:44 , George Flood

News now of a very late change to the England matchday squad.

Ellis Genge has picked up a foot injury and his place on the bench is taken by Beno Obano.

The Bath prop, who has three senior England caps to his name so far, will cover the starting Joe Marler at loosehead.

A real disappointment for Genge, who had initially shaken off a hamstring injury in time for the Six Nations.

England's selection woes

12:34 , George Flood

England's chronic injury problems have left them with just a handful of the backs selected for their World Cup campaign in the autumn.

Ollie Lawrence, Manu Tuilagi, Anthony Watson and Jack van Poortvliet all join Marcus Smith on the sidelines, with Owen Farrell taking that break, Ben Youngs now retired from Test rugby and Joe Marchant and Henry Arundell both unavailable following their respective moves to France.

Courtney Lawes, Jonny May and Mako Vunipola are the other post-World Cup retirees, while Tom Curry, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan‑Dickie, George Martin, Raffi Quirke, Oscar Beard and Nick Isiekwe are also injured.

David Ribbans, Jack Willis, Jack Nowell and Sam Simmonds join Arundell and Marchant in being unavailable for selection due to the RFU's continued controversial policy of not picking overseas-based players for England duty.

Italy vs England prediction

12:13 , George Flood

Injuries have continued to derail Steve Borthwick's best-laid plans for Rome and he faced an important selection decision at fly-half with Marcus Smith sidelined.

He's opted for the tried, tested and battle-hardened Ford rather than hand the keys to an exciting young talent in Fin Smith.

Regardless, England should still cruise to a comfortable victory over an inexperienced Italy team starting yet another new cycle under Gonzalo Quesada.

Though no one really expected them to shock either France or the All Blacks, the nature of those heavy World Cup losses was a real horror show for the Azzurri and they have to put it out of their minds, fast.

They may well keep things competitive here for a while as they so often do at home in the Six Nations, but expect England to eventually pull well clear for an emphatic opening triumph.

England to win, by 20 points.

Italy vs England lineups

12:09 , George Flood

England XV: Steward; Freeman, Slade, Dingwall, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Marler, George (c), Stuart; Itoje, Chessum; Roots, Underhill, Earl

Replacements: Dan, Obano, Cole, Coles, Cunningham-South, Care, F Smith, Feyi-Waboso

Italy XV: Allan; Pani, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi; A Garbisi; Fischetti, Lucchesi, Ceccarelli; N Cannone, Ruzza; Negri, Lamaro (c), L Cannone

Replacements: Nicotera, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Zambonin, Izekor, Zuliani, Varney, Mori

England team news

12:07 , George Flood

As mentioned, Jamie George begins his full-time England captaincy today after being appointed as the successor to Owen Farrell ahead of the tournament.

George Ford is preferred to the uncapped Fin Smith at fly-half with Marcus Smith suffering an unfortunate calf injury during a pre-Six Nations training camp in Girona earlier this week, the full severity of which is still unknown.

We are likely to see five new caps handed out today in total by England, with Northampton's Fraser Dingwall profiting from a slew of centre absences to line up alongside the recalled Henry Slade in midfield and Exeter's New Zealand-born flanker Ethan Roots chosen to fill the sizeable void left by Courtney Lawes' retirement.

Fin Smith is on the bench alongside fellow first-timers Chandler Cunningham-South, the Harlequins back-rower, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, the flying Exeter wing who has chosen to represent England over Wales.

Alex Mitchell has made a dramatic late recovery from an infected cut on his leg to start at scrum-half ahead of veteran Danny Care, while Joe Marler is fit to take his place at loosehead.

Italy team news

12:01 , George Flood

Italy were forced into two late changes to their initial matchday squad on Friday, with star man Ange Capuozzo ruled out through illness in a major blow to their chances of springing an upset this afternoon.

Lorenzo Pani is promoted to the starting XV instead, with Federico Mori coming onto the bench.

Treviso flanker Edoardo Iachizzi has a shoulder injury and his seat among the replacements is taken by the uncapped Alessandro Izekor, who along with prop Mirco Spagnolo is set to make his first international appearance today.

Tommaso Menoncello is at least back in the Italian midfield after missing the World Cup with a biceps injury, but there's no Simone Ferrari, Paolo Odogwu, Dino Lamb or Marco Riccioni.

Benetton flanker Michele Lamaro remains captain, with Federico Ruzza set to earn his 50th cap in the second row.

The Garbisi brothers are paired together at half-back, with Alessandro preferred to Gloucester's Stephen Varney at 9.

How to watch Italy vs England

11:54 , George Flood

TV channel: Italy vs England is being shown live in the UK free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 1:30pm.

Live stream: You can catch a free live stream online via the ITVX app and website.

Welcome to Italy vs England Six Nations live coverage

11:47 , George Flood

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport's live coverage of Italy vs England at the 2024 Six Nations.

Round one continues in Rome this afternoon, following defending Grand Slam champions Ireland's ominous demolition of 14-man France in Marseille last night.

England will hope to keep early pace with the Men in Green at the summit as they look to defy an injury crisis and make a thumping start to their campaign in an attempt to build on the momentum gained from their surprise run to the World Cup semi-finals in the autumn.

There's a new captain at the helm in Jamie George amid Owen Farrell's break from Test rugby, while we are set to see five new caps handed out today.

Italy endured a dismal World Cup with pool stage hammerings by both France and the All Blacks and are hoping to avoid a ninth successive Six Nations wooden spoon this year as they begin another new cycle under the guidance of former Argentina fly-half Gonzalo Quesada.

Kick-off in the Italian capital comes at 2:15pm GMT, so stay tuned for live updates across the afternoon including expert analysis from Standard Sport's rugby correspondent Nick Purewal at the Stadio Olimpico.