It was far from an ideal start to the Six Nations for England, as Steve Borthwick’s first game in charge ended in a Calcutta Cup defeat against Scotland. However, there will be an immediate opportunity to respond to that setback, as England will host Italy at Twickenham.
The England vs Italy betting would suggest that this will be a one-sided affair in London, but the Rugby 6 Nations odds were almost upset last weekend, as a spirited Italian side was only narrowly denied a famous victory against reigning champions France. You can find the latest rugby odds and rugby predictions for the Six Nations clash this weekend here.
England vs. Italy Information
England vs. Italy
Location: Twickenham Stadium, London, England
Date and Time: Sunday, February 12, 2023. 10:00 AM E.T.
How To Watch: NBC Sports
England vs. Italy Recent Scores
England’s record against Italy in competitive rugby fixtures is extremely dominant. The hosts this weekend come into the match having won all previous 29 meetings between the sides.
England was comprehensive 33-0 winners in Rome last year in the Six Nations, while the Red Roses were also easy 41-18 winners in the previous meeting between the sides at Twickenham in the 2021 Six Nations.
The closest match between the sides in recent memory came in 2013, as Italy lost by just eight points at Twickenham. But, the overall head-to-head results do point to a significant angle in the England vs Italy betting this weekend.
England vs. Italy Betting Analysis
England Facts To Know
The dominant record enjoyed by England against Italy in previous meetings does mean that there will be an air of inevitability about the result this weekend. However, as an Englishman, there will be a lot of apprehension coming into Sunday’s fixture at Twickenham this weekend.
Steve Borthwick’s side may have shown a lot of fight in their Six Nations opener against Scotland on matchday one, but it was yet another game that presented more questions than answers.
There is still a lingering doubt surrounding whether Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith can play in the same team, and although that may not be an issue this weekend, it is something that must be addressed before the World Cup.
In fairness, it was a better display by England, especially compared to their performance when booed off in Eddie Jones’ final game against South Africa late last year. But, there is still so much for England to address before bigger challenges in the Six Nations this year, as the team continues to look disjointed.
Italy Facts To Know
There have long been calls for the Six Nations to adopt relegation and promotion, given the poor results picked up by Italy. However, there has been evidence over the past year or so that Kieran Crowley is beginning to build an Italian side that could at least compete in the Six Nations against the top-ranked sides.
That was shown in their Six Nations opener last weekend as the defending champions, as they pushed France to their limit in Rome. The French needed a late try to record a comeback victory over Italy to seal a dramatic win. Italy showed excellent dynamic quality in their attacking in that fixture, and that could pose questions of England this weekend.
Italy has finished rock-bottom in the previous seven editions of the Six Nations, but this new attack-minded game could yet see them move off the bottom. Of course, it will come with a double-edged sword, as the style does leave them vulnerable defensively. However, it ensures that they could stand an excellent chance of moving in the right direction in 2023.
Updates
England will still be without a number of stars for this second clash in the Six Nations. Elliot Daly was ruled out for 12 weeks at the start of January. However, Henry Slade has been included in the 36-man squad after recovering from a hamstring issue.
Courtney Lawes is included in the squad, but the vice-captain is unlikely to feature. There are no fresh injury concerns for Kieran Crowley ahead of Italy’s visit to Twickenham.
England vs. Italy Betting Preview
England: -1400
Tie: +5000
Italy: +800
England (-19): +100
Italy (+19): +100
England vs. Italy Betting Prediction
After watching both teams play in their Six Nations openers last weekend, it is easy to see Italy causing issues for England at Twickenham this weekend.
However, a historic win for the visitors in the England vs Italy betting still appears unlikely. But, given their strong performance against France, we think that they have an excellent chance of ensuring a close game against England. Therefore, Italy (+19) looks excellent value at +100.
Pick: Italy (+19) +100
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