Betting predictions for Italy vs England: Six Nations tips and odds

Our betting expert has three Italy vs England tips for Saturday’s Six Nations match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome (2.15pm kick-off). Scroll down for the analysis behind his selections.

Italy vs England betting tips

• Jamie George anytime tryscorer @ 5/6 with BoyleSports
  
• George Ford anytime tryscorer @ 5/1 with BoyleSports
  

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Another reassuring afternoon in Rome for England

England’s draw for this year’s Six Nations is incredibly favourable, with arguably their two most winnable matches, away in Italy and at home to Wales, falling in the opening fortnight.

This provides them with the chance to build momentum and, with both head coach Steve Borthwick and new captain Jamie George admitting they want to expand on the pragmatic plan that inspired the near miss at the World Cup, by adding more attacking verve, Saturday’s match offers the chance to experiment.

Borthwick could have opted for more pace in the back line, but is understandably keen to use his experienced players to manage their first fixture of the year and avoid what would be a disastrous defeat.

There will be chances to move the ball, though, and after seeing both New Zealand and France run riot against the Azzurri at the World Cup, England should win with plenty to spare.

Italy vs England tip 1: England -21 @ 17/10 with BoyleSports

George to mark his big day with a try

Saracens hooker George’s selection as skipper feels like the right call in Owen Farrell’s absence and he can mark the occasion in style.

With England’s line-out likely to be dominant, the Red Rose maul could be a real factor and it will be the 33-year-old controlling the ball at the back of the drive.

George has an excellent tryscoring record against the Italians, touching down on five occasions, with three of those in the past two years.

He will be at the heart of the expected English forward advantage and looks a decent price to add to his international try tally.

Italy vs England tip 2: Jamie George anytime tryscorer @ 5/6 with BoyleSports

A rare try for Ford

For all the doubts about his selection, George Ford could be viewed as a horse for the course, having also previously grabbed a couple of international tries against the Azzurri.

Admittedly, the most recent came in 2018, while his last international score came as far back as the 2020 Six Nations. However, if there is one game in the championship where you might be given a chance to rediscover your mojo, this is it.

Ford played well at the World Cup but a combination of doubts over his defence and Farrell being Borthwick’s choice as captain meant that his minutes diminished as the tournament progressed.

After the Sale Sharks fly-half was expected to start the tournament as second fiddle to Smith and even with questions regarding his selection ahead of Fin Smith, this match looks like the perfect chance to demonstrate why he is viewed as England’s best tactician. Ford’s trademark darts could exploit a home defence that can get ragged around the ruck.

Italy vs England tip 3: George Ford anytime tryscorer @ 5/1 with BoyleSports

Italy vs England odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.