SIX NATIONS Mallet backs Italy half-backs against England

FORMER Italy coach Nick Mallett believes that the Azzurri’s halfbacks — brothers Alessandro and Paolo Garbisi — hold the key to recording a first ever victory over England.

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ITALY'S Paolo Garbisi gestures during the Six Nations rugby match against France in Lille ion 2024.

(EPA)

Gonzalo Quesada’s team host England in the Six Nations in Rome today, emboldened by an impressive start to their tournament, coupled with a capitulation in the form of Steve Borthwick's charges.

But in 32 previous Tests, Italy have never beaten England.

Two of the matches in which Italy came closest to doing so were during Mallett’s reign at the Azzurri helm — a 17-12 defeat in 2008 and a 19-15 loss two years later, when the team captained by Sergio Parisse actually led 15-6 early in the second half.

Now, like then, Italy have a formidable pack but what sets this team apart from Mallett’s one is their halfback pairing.