Italy Wing Monty Ioane Eyes Historic First Victory Over England in Pivotal Six Nations Clash

Italy winger Monty Ioane discusses the chance to beat England for the first time in the Six Nations, citing a mental shift in the Italian squad.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 7:09 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CNA

Chasing an Elusive Milestone in Rome

Italy is preparing for what many rugby analysts consider a potential "watershed moment" in the nation’s Six Nations history. As they prepare to host England at the Stadio Olimpico, winger Monty Ioane has expressed a quiet confidence that the current Italian squad possesses the maturity to end a 32-match losing streak against the English. While England remains the only side in the Championship that Italy has never beaten, the combination of Italy’s improved tactical discipline and England’s recent defensive lapses has created a palpable sense of opportunity in the Italian camp.

Assessing the Threat of a Reshuffled England

Despite the optimism, Ioane is quick to dismiss any notion that Steve Borthwick’s side is a "soft target." Following heavy defeats to Scotland and Ireland, Borthwick has opted for a radical overhaul, making nine changes to his starting XV, including a completely revamped backline. Ioane noted that such a drastic selection shift indicates an English intent to bring a new, unpredictable energy to the game. For Italy, the challenge lies in defending against a set of combinations that have yet to be tested as a unit, requiring the Italian back three to be more vigilant than ever.

The Evolution of the Italian Mentality

The narrative surrounding Italian rugby has shifted from "plucky losers" to "battling contenders." Under the guidance of Gonzalo Quesada, the team has moved past the psychological barriers that often led to late-game collapses. Ioane highlighted a "massive shift in the mentality side of the game" as the primary reason for their recent success, which included a win over Scotland earlier this campaign. By retaining a core group of players over the last seven years, the squad has built a level of cohesion and shared experience that allows them to navigate high-pressure moments with a composure previously absent from Italian rugby.