ROME (AP) — Italy beat England for the first time in a rugby international on Saturday.
Italy triumphed 23-18 at the Stadio Olimpico, finally knocking off the only team it hadn’t beaten since it joined the Six Nations in 2000.
The home side claimed the lead in a scrappy match for the third and final time with eight minutes to go after a Leonardo Marin try converted by Paolo Garbisi, who was a perfect five-of-five off the kicking tee.
Victory minutes later was greeted by hugs of joy in the Italy coaches’ box and on the field, and a giant roar from a near-capacity crowd.
Defeat was England’s third in a row following a 12-match winning streak.
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