Ireland vs Italy Preview & Prediction | 2026 Six Nations Championship | Round 2
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Ireland look to bounce back from a disappointing performance in France when they welcome buoyant Italy to the Aviva Stadium.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – ITVX / USA – Peacock
Ireland form: Bruising defeat
Ireland were second-best in all departments against France in the opening match of the tournament, losing 36-14 to the reigning champions at the Stade de France.
There were some signs of a fightback in the second half after Andy Farrell's men were 22-0 down at the break, but they never realistically looked like troubling the hosts.
Last five: LWWLL
Italy form: Positive start
Italy tasted victory in their Six Nations opener for the first time in 13 years when they defeated Scotland 18-15 in difficult conditions last weekend in Rome.
The hosts were able to better deal with the torrential rain, taking advantage of their error-strewn opponents to record their second victory in their last three meetings with Scotland.
Last five: LWLWL
Ireland team news: Six changes
Squad: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Casey; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Izuchukwu, Doris (capt), Conan
Replacements: Kelleher, O'Toole, Furlong, Edogbo, Beirne, Timoney, Gibson-Park, Crowley
Italy team news: 50-cap Brex absent
Squad: Pani; Lynagh, Marin, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro (capt), Zuliani, L Cannone
Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Odiase, A Garbisi, Odogwu
Ireland vs Italy prediction
Farrell has stated that he has been pleased with his side's reaction to their humbling defeat against France, and he will certainly be expecting an improved display from his men against one of the teams they are fancied to beat fairly comfortably.
In front of an expectant Dublin crowd, the hosts will no doubt come out with ferocity, and also in the knowledge that they have won their last 16 encounters with Italy.
The Azzurri may have started with a victory last weekend, but it would be huge shock if they were to trouble the Irish here. We're backing the hosts to overcome a -16 handicap.
Ireland vs Italy tip: Ireland to win with -16 handicap
