Ireland vs Italy Preview & Prediction | 2024 Six Nations Championship
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THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs Italy on and what time does it start? Ireland vs Italy will take place on Sunday 11th February 2024 – 15:00 (UK)
Where is Ireland vs Italy taking place? Ireland vs Italy will take place at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland
Where can I get tickets for Ireland vs Italy? Ticket information for Ireland vs Italy can be found on each nation’s official website
What channel is Ireland vs Italy on in the UK? Television coverage is shared between BBC and ITV so it is worth checking their schedules for Ireland vs Italy
Where can I stream Ireland vs Italy in the UK? If televised live on BBC, Ireland vs Italy can be streamed live on iPlayer, while ITVX is the place to go if the match is on ITV
THE LOWDOWN
IRELAND
- Six Nations favourites Ireland got off to a strong start with a convincing win over France last weekend and they will be looking to kick on and consolidate their tag with another win on home soil against Italy.
- They make six changes from last weekend as head coach Andy Farrell rotates his 15 with captain Peter O’Mahony being replaced by Ryan Baird as one of the headline changes. Farrell is afforded the luxury of having plenty of depth in the ranks and still being able to manage the minutes of his experienced players while retaining a strong core to the team.
ITALY
- There were plenty of positives for the Azzurri in their opening match as they pushed England all the way last time out but they face a stiff challenge in the second round of matches as they face one of the best teams in the world right now.
- In contrast to their opponents, Italy are forced into making changes but due to injuries as key flanker Sebastian Negri is ruled out while Lorenzo Cannone is also missing. Their depth is nowhere near the same level of the Irish and that will only make their task harder.
THE TEAM NEWS
IRELAND
15-Keenan; 14-Nash, 13-Henshaw, 12-McCloskey, 11-Lowe; 10-Crowley, 9-Casey; 1-Porter, 2-Sheehan, 3-Bealham, 4-McCarthy, 5-Ryan, 6-Baird, 7-Doris (capt), 8-Conan.
Replacements: 16-Kelleher, 17-Loughman, 18-O'Toole, 19-Henderson, 20-Van der Flier, 21-Gibson-Park, 22-Byrne, 23-Larmour.
ITALY
15-Capuozzo; 14-Pani, 13-Brex, 12-Menoncello, 11-Ioane; 10-Garbisi, 9-Varney; 1-Fischetti, 2-Lucchesi, 3-Ceccarelli, 4-Cannone, 5-Ruzza, 6-Izekor, 7-Zuliani, 8-Lamaro (capt).
Replacements: 16-Nicotera, 17-Spagnolo, 18-Zilocchi, 19-Zambonin, 20-Vincent, 21-Page-Relo, 22-Allan, 23-Mori.
THE PREDICTION
There is little doubt around the Irish being heavy favourites and sure fire to win this game but the question will likely be by how many points. Ireland had to make a fast start with their tough opening match against the French and that will have sharpened them up right from the off. They are making some rotations and they may see a little drop off but there will not be any shocks here. Even if they start slow or lose a little edge towards the end, they simply possess far too much quality for the game Italians. Italy pushed England all the way but the level of quality in that match was nowhere close to that of the Ireland versus France game. They will struggle to contain the Irish and expect a substantial victory for the home side.
TIP: Ireland to win -26 points
