The England Red Roses continued their dominant run in the Women's Six Nations with a comprehensive victory over Italy at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, despite allowing 33 points. The defending champions remain on track for a Grand Slam following a performance that blended attacking flair with occasional defensive vulnerability.
The match, held in Parma on Saturday 9 May 2026 with a 2pm BST kick-off, saw England assert their authority early. However, Italy responded with spirited play, capitalising on errors to put points on the board. The Red Roses' ability to strike back quickly with tries of their own proved decisive.
England's head coach will be pleased with the attacking output but concerned about the 33 points conceded. With a potential title-deciding match against France on the horizon, tightening the defence will be a priority. The squad's depth and experience should help address these issues.
For Italy, the performance showed promise despite the defeat. They managed to breach the English defence on several occasions, earning respect from the champions. The Azzurre will look to build on this display in their remaining fixtures.
The result keeps England perfect in the tournament, setting up a crucial clash with France. A win in that fixture would likely secure the Grand Slam and another Six Nations crown. The Red Roses have shown they can win while not at their best, a sign of a champion side.
In summary, England's big win over Italy, while conceding 33 points, demonstrated both their strength and areas for growth. The journey continues towards the France game, where the title may be decided.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.