Italy ‘deserve a lot more respect’ as they aim to make history against England

Italy are set to host England in the Six Nations this Saturday afternoon with the possibility of securing their first-ever win over their opponents in Rome.

Steve Borthwick knows there is extreme pressure on him and his squad to ensure the Azzurri don’t achieve this piece of momentous history.

This is essentially a free hit for the Italians as they are still underdogs, but they know this is the best opportunity they have ever had to achieve their first victory.

And there is a sense of belief around Gonzalo Quezada’s camp that they can do it.

Former England youth international Louis Lynagh has switched the white jersey for the blue of his mother’s native nation.

Italy's Louis Lynagh in action during a Guinness Six Nations match between Italy and Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico (Getty Images)

Speaking to The Times, he said: “Since Gonzalo Quesada came in [as head coach], the team’s got even tighter, and adding to the passion that Italy’s always been known for, I think we’ve got that extra layer of detail, and it’s really showing in how we play.

“Everyone’s so surprised, but as a team, it’s been building since the 2024 Six Nations.

“I’m not saying it’s culminating, because I still think there’s a lot more that we can achieve.

“The two teams have had different histories. England have been at the top of world rugby for God knows how many years; Italy are just finally starting to get that recognition, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the team.

“It’s definitely a strength being the underdog in these situations, but also it’s kind of a grating feeling. We’re like, ‘Yes, we are the underdogs, but we really don’t want to be that.’ We deserve a lot more respect, and that’s what’s finally showing through.

Tommaso Menoncello is congratulated by teammates after scoring a try during the Six Nations international rugby union match between Italy and Scotland (Getty Images)

“We’re not only getting the one-off wins anymore. We beat Australia in the autumn, came very close to South Africa, beat Scotland, were very close against Ireland, and we gave France a good game.”

Lynagh had the pick of three nations that he could have represented at an international level, coming close to earning an England cap before making the switch to Italy - while ignoring the chance to represent the team his father won a World Cup with, Australia.

The winger is currently playing his rugby with the Italian club Benetton Treviso, making the decision to do so to commit fully to Italian life and culture after deciding to represent them at Test level.