The Six Nations rugby clash between Italy and England at the 72,000-capacity Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday has been declared a sell-out.

The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announced the news two days before the big game, saying that even all 800 VIP packages had been sold.

It is welcome news for FIR who took the bold decision this year to move to the most prestigious stadium in the Italian capital from the rugby team’s previous home at the 32,000-capacity Stadio Flaminio.

Having attracted an 80,000 sell-out crowd at the San Siro in Milan for a November Test against New Zealand in 2009, FIR decided to gamble on moving to the bigger Roman stadium for this year’s Six Nations.

The Stadio Olimpico is normally shared by Roma and Lazio football teams but the latter had to move their Serie A clash with Cesena to Thursday to accommodate the national rugby team.

“We’re enthusiastic and delighted for what is, for our Federation and the whole Italian rugby movement, a great step forwards,” said FIR president Giancarlo Dondi.

“After the 80,000 fans at the San Siro against the All Blacks in November 2009 we’ve shown that we can also win this new challenge.

“It will be a great party in the stands and outside thanks to the ‘Terzo Tempo Peroni’ Village, a great splash of colour and happiness.”

Italy’s other home match this season against Scotland next month is also close to selling out.