The forgotten first test: England and Italy disagree on test match history

England will take on Italy at Twickenham this Sunday afternoon in what marks the 32nd official test match between the two sides – or, as the Italians see it, their 33rd.

Since their first recorded clash in 1991, the Azzurri have endured nothing but heartbreak, with England claiming victory in every encounter. The scorelines have often been brutal, with two of the last six meetings ending in a shutout for the Italians.

Yet, despite years of struggle, Italy’s fortunes have been shifting. Their form has surged in recent seasons, highlighted by three landmark wins over Wales in just four games. Last year’s showdown against England was the closest since their very first encounter in 1986.

Yes, you read that right—Italy actually hosted England at the Stadio Olimpico more than five years before their first “official” test match. That game ended in a 15-15 draw, the only time the Azzurri have avoided defeat against England.

However, because England chose not to award caps, the match was omitted from their record books. Italy, on the other hand, recognised it as an official test, forever preserving it in their rugby history.

Nearly four decades later, that draw remains Italy’s best result against England—a reminder of a rivalry that, while one-sided on paper, continues to evolve.

England head coach Steve Borthwick will be desperate for the English dominance to continue this weekend, with former players now heaping the pressure on a side that’s struggled to find national favour in recent years.

Former England captain Will Carling recently criticised the coaching styles of the leadership team, telling BBC Radio 4: “We do have some talented players there’s no doubt and maybe we’re seeing a slightly restricted version of them.

“You look at the calibre of the England coaching team and you have got to question whether that’s the best we can put out there.

“Some of them are learning, some of them are very young and maybe lack the experience at Test level. Maybe that’s what we’re seeing impact on the players.”

Borthwick will be feeling the pinch following the Eddie Jones reign which was arguably one of the most successful of all the England tenures, boasting a 72.8 win percentage over seven years. Borthwick, however, can only claim a 51.6% win rate in his time since taking up the head coach mantle in 2022.