Italy secured a momentous 23-18 triumph over England at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening, finally conquering their rivals after 32 previous unsuccessful attempts in the Six Nations.The defeat represents England’s third loss in succession during this year’s championship, following earlier setbacks against Scotland and Ireland.For Italian rugby, the evening marked an extraordinary breakthrough, with the Azzurri claiming perhaps their most significant scalp in the tournament’s history.England arrived in Rome seeking redemption but instead witnessed their campaign descend further into disarray on what proved a celebratory occasion for the home supporters.Italy claimed a deserved win over England, whose Six Nations campaign lays in tatters | REUTERSEngland appeared to have the contest firmly under control, holding an 18-10 advantage with just over twenty minutes remaining on the clock.The visitors had crossed the whitewash twice in the opening period through Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck, with Fin Smith adding two penalties after the interval.However, the match pivoted dramatically when Sam Underhill received a yellow card for a high challenge on Danilo Fischetti.Captain Maro Itoje compounded England’s difficulties moments later, sent to the sin-bin for knocking the ball from Alessandro Garbisi’s grasp.With both players temporarily absent, Italy seized their opportunity eight minutes from time when Paolo Garbisi, Monty Ioane and Tomasso Menoncello combined brilliantly to send Leonardo Marin over beneath the posts.England appeared to be in control after going 18-10 ahead | REUTERSEngland now find themselves languishing in fifth position, with Italy leapfrogging them into fourth place in the championship standings.The Azzurri remain in contention for a top-three finish for the first time in their Six Nations history.Steve Borthwick’s side must travel to title-chasing France in the final round, a fixture originally anticipated as a potential Grand Slam decider when the tournament commenced.Steve Borthwick’s future as England head coach is under serious pressure | GETTYInstead, England face the ignominious prospect of avoiding their first single-victory campaign in Six Nations history.With the Rugby World Cup merely eighteen months away, this uninspired display raises profound questions about the team’s trajectory under Borthwick’s stewardship.Speaking to ITV Sport following the defeat, Itoje acknowledged the gravity of the situation.”It is obviously very disappointing and it is on us as players. We have to wear this performance and own the result. It’s a results-based business,” the captain stated.England captain Maro Itoje admitted the situation is currently bleak | REUTERS”This team, over the last year, has put some good performances together but recently we haven’t. This result wasn’t good enough.”Itoje emphasised the need for unity during this challenging spell.”We have to face the facts, face reality, and get back to work,” he added.”Teams go through tough periods and we are going through one now. We take responsibility for that as players.”