England recovered from a scruffy start and a 17-8 deficit to beat Italy 27-24 in their opening Six Nations game in Rome on Saturday, ending a run of four successive opening round defeats in the championship. Two George Ford penalties closed the gap to 17-14 at halftime and scrumhalf Alex Mitchell showed great determination to claim their second try. Italy scored tries by Alessandro Garbisi and Tommaso Allan. England dominated the second half with tries from Alex Mitchell and George Ford's boot, while Italy's Monty Ioane broke through for a converted try in added time to earn them a losing bonus point.