England vs Italy Preview & Prediction | 2023 Six Nations Championship

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

THE FACTS

When is England vs Italy on and what time does it start? England vs Italy will take place on Sunday 12th February, 2023 – 15:00 (UK)

Where is England vs Italy taking place? England vs Italy will take place at Twickenham in London, England

Where can I get tickets for England vs Italy? Ticket information for England vs Italy can be found on each nation’s official website

What channel is England vs Italy on in the UK? Television coverage is shared between BBC and ITV so it is worth checking their schedules for England vs Italy

Where can I stream England vs Italy in the UK? If televised live on BBC, England vs Italy can be streamed live on iPlayer, while ITVX is the place to go if the match is on ITV

THE TEAM NEWS

ENGLAND

• England suffered a losing start to life under new boss Steve Borthwick as they were beaten by Scotland in their opening clash of the Six Nations last week.
• Borthwick’s side failed to hold on as the Scots produced a late fightback to clinch the Calcutta Cup and there has been a reaction to that defeat with Marcus Smith dropping to the bench with Owen Farrell reverting to fly-half.

Starting XV: Steward; Malins, Slade, Lawrence, Hassell-Collins; Farrell; Van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Sinckler; Itoje, Chessum; Ludlam, Willis, Dombrandt

Replacements: Walker, M. Vunipola, Cole, Isiekwe, Earl, Mitchell, Smith, Arundell

ITALY

• Italy pushed France all the way last week as they almost caused an almighty upset but the young Italians look like they will be capable of more in the years to come based on that effort.
• This group have been together for a good period of time now and with some impressive play on show last week, they will fancy their chances of producing another strong performance here.

Starting XV: Capuozzo; Padovani, Brex, Morisi, Menoncello; Allan, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Riccioni; Cannone, Ruzza; Negri, Lamaro, Cannone

Replacements: Bigi, Zani, Ferrari, Iachizzi, Polledri, Zuliani, Fusco, Bruno

THE PREDICTION

England were ultimately not good enough in their clash with Scotland last week and will need to be better here as they play host to a dangerous Italy outfit. The visitors look to have something special brewing and pushed France close last week in what was an eye-catching performance against the side that won the Grand Slam last year. England have made some tactical tweaks for this contest with new coach Steve Borthwick hoping it has the desired effect. The hosts should win but it could be a close affair with both teams capable of producing some good attacking play and that should result in over 42.5 points being scored.