What’s happening?
Ireland welcome Italy in the second round of the 2026 Six Nations.
When and where?
Andy Farrell’s side return from last week’s thumping from France in Paris to host Gonzalo Quesada’s men at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.10pm).
How did the sides fare in round one?
Ireland and Italy had quite contrasting fortunes in the opening round.
How far behind the leading pack are Ireland after defeat against France?
Last Thursday, reigning champions France outclassed Ireland at the Stade de France, Louis Bielle-Biarrey putting in a masterclass as Les Bleus ran out 36-14 winners.
On Saturday, Italy sprang a surprise on Scotland to win 18-15 at a sodden Stadio Olimpico.
The hosts surged to a 12-point lead within 14 minutes of the kick-off, holding on despite the biblical rain in Rome to heap yet more pressure on Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend and earning them a first opening round win since 2013.
Paolo Garbisi and Niccolo Cannone celebrate after Italy’s Six Nations win over Scotland. Photograph: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images What’s their head-to-head record?
Ireland and Italy have met 38 times at Test level, Ireland winning 34 of those meetings.
Under the guidance of interim head coach Simon Easterby, Ireland secured a 22-17 win in Rome in the final round of last year’s Six Nations.
To find the most recent of Italy’s four wins you must venture back to the 2013 Six Nations, when the Azzurri won 22-15 at the Stadio Olimpico. That season also saw Italy run out 23-18 winners at home to France, who ended up with the wooden spoon, Ireland narrowly avoiding last place on scoring difference. How times have changed.
Have we any team news?
Andy Farrell has made half a dozen changes in personnel to the Ireland XV for Saturday’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations clash against Italy at a sold-out Aviva Stadium (kick-off 2.10pm).
Munster second row Edwin Edogbo is in line for his Test debut off the bench, while the Ulster pair of Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu have been called up to the starting team. The fit-again James Lowe is also recalled, while Craig Casey has been promoted from the bench, as have James Ryan and Jack Conan after their impact as replacements in the 36-14 loss to France a week ago. Captain Caelan Doris shifting to openside as Josh van der Flier misses out on the match-day 23 altogether.
IRELAND: Jamie Osborne; Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Cormac Izuchukwu, Caelan Doris (capt), Jack Conan.
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Tadhg Furlong, Edwin Edogbo, Tadhg Beirne, Nick Timoney, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jack Crowley.
ITALY: Lorenzo Pani; Louis Lynagh, Tommaso Menoncello, Leonardo Marin; Monty Ioane; Paolo Garbisi, Alessandro Fusco; Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Simone Ferrari; Niccolo Cannone, Andrea Zambonin; Michele Lamaro (capt), Manuel Zuliani, Lorenzo Cannone.
Replacements: Tommaso di Bartolomeo, Mirco Spagnolo, Muhamed Hasa, Federico Ruzza, Riccardo Favretto, David Odiase, Alessandro Garbisi, Paolo Odogwu.
Where can I watch the game?
Ireland v Italy will be televised live on Virgin Media One, with coverage starting at 1.30pm, while ITV One has coverage from 1pm.