Italy vs England live: Latest score and updates as Azzurri eye historic win in Six Nations clash

A stroke of fortune for England, Seb Atkinson’s ill-conceived crossfield kick half-blocked but landing in the hands of Bevan Rodd, ruled onside thanks to the Italian touch. But that’s fortune for Italy, the ball bouncing free at a ruck with England building momentum in the 22.

Some pick-up from Elliot Daly, there, as if at second slip as he scoops off his bootlaces after Tom Roebuck’s tap back.

It feels mightily tense in Rome – pressure on England after back-to-back defeats, pressure on Italy with an historic win in sight. Lorenzo Pani and Monty Ioane get in a mix up over a Jack van Poortvliet box kick, though there are enough Italian shirts there to pick up the pieces. Alessandro Fusco hooks a superb clearance away with his left boot beyond halfway.

England are still in the mire, particularly with Jamie George increasingly struggling. He takes his time before picking out his target right at the front of the lineout, clearing enough space for Jack van Poortvliet to clear.

Here comesOllie Chessum…and that’s superb impact from the lock, up like lightning at the front to steal an Italy lineout. Van Poortvliet is then tackled in the air, foolishly – penalty to England, and Sam Underhill returns. Luke Cowan-Dickie will soon be on to relieve George, too.

A vital defensive stand from England! Ben Earl, that is superb, almost single-handedly halting an Italian maul and then hauling it towards touch. With just six forwards to defend the drive, that’s some effort.

Gonzalo Quesada spreads his hands in disbelief – that’s four 22 entries for just one try so far for his side, a persisent problem throughout this competition.

And England are down to 13! Maro Itoje follows Sam Underhill to the sin bin, deemed to have cynically slapped the ball out of Alessandro Fusco’s hands at the back of a maul.

Wow. England are up the proverbial here, even with that narrow lead. Italy kick into the 22.

Good news for England – Sam Underhill will be back once his 10 minutes in the sin bin have elapsed. A high degree of danger in the tackle but mitigation from the presence of Ellis Genge and a late change in direction.

Italy are back to 15 men – Tommaso Di Bartolomeo replaces Giacomo Nicotera.

Elliot Daly beats both Monty Ioane and Federico Ruzza in a phonebox, but ends up smashed through the glass by the next tackler. Into touch.

A friendly peck off the post and Paolo Garbisi’s kick goes through. Pressure on England with Italy back within a couple of points.

Fin Smith looks to be cramping up – the fly half grasped at his right hamstring immediately after taking the restart. No sign of Marcus Smith just yet.

And Italy are beginning to surge. They snatch England;s lineout ball at the front and fling the ball away to the right. Louis Lynagh puts the ball in behind via his boot, and Italian support arrives to earn another breakdown penalty.