Italy v Ireland LIVE: Score and updates from Six Nations as visitors snatch lead

Ireland know a win is a must to preserve their Six Nations title hopes as they kick off Super Saturday against Italy.

A hectic final day could be in store with three teams harbouring somewhat realistic hopes of securing the championship. France begin in pole position with a bonus-point win making certain of their place at the top of the table when they play Scotland later having dashed Ireland’s grand slam dreams with a Dublin dismantling last weekend. But the pressure could be piled on Fabien Galthie’s side both by the men in green and England, who play Wales in the middle fixture on this decisive day.

First, though, it will be the defending champions looking to finish with a flourish and move back to the top of the Six Nations tree. An historic three-peat may now feel unlikely but all Ireland can do is take care of business against an Italian team reeling after two poor performances against France and England.

Follow all of the latest from the Stadio Olimpico in Rome with our live blog below:

Italy vs Ireland LIVE

Italy face Ireland in the first match of Six Nations Super Saturday | Live on ITV
Ireland still harbour faint ambitions of winning the Six Nations title but must get a bonus-point win over Italy to keep those alive
The Azzurri are aiming to win to guarantee they avoid the wooden spoon, with Wales hosting England later
40 ' -TRY! Sheehan flops over the line on stroke of half-time (ITA 10-12 IRE)
23' - TRY! Keenan finally goes over after an age in the Italy 22 (ITA 7-7 IRE)
11' - TRY! Ioane dives on Garbisi's kick through for stunning opening try (ITA 7-0 IRE)

Italy 10-17 Ireland, 48 minutes

15:35 , Ciara Fearn

The game is halted due to a dangerous tackle by Italy's Ross Vintcent, it looks likely to be upgraded to a red. An unfortunate clatter of heads and he’s in the sin-bin.

Try! Italy 10-17 Ireland, 47 minutes

15:32 , Ciara Fearn

Ireland are slowly beginning to pull away from Italy here in Rome. Ireland are being efficient and brutal, doing what needs to be done.

Jack Conan secures the lineout, and the maul drives forward. Dan Sheehan, powers over for his second try of the match.

Italy 10-12 Ireland, 47 minutes

15:30 , Ciara Fearn

This is looking bad for Italy, yet another injury for Italy as Marin Page-Relo is forced off. Stephen Varney replaces him at scrum-half.

Fischetti attempts to charge in with his knees, and Ireland are awarded an advantage for offside.

Italy 10-12 Ireland, 46 minutes

15:27 , Ciara Fearn

Hansen spots a massive gap and passes it on. They move the ball through hands, with Hansen involved again, but the final pass goes into touch.

A massive missed opportunity but, great work from the Irish wing Mack Hansen.

Italy 10-12 Ireland, 45 minutes

15:25 , Ciara Fearn

Italy secure the throw and try to launch an attack, but a pass to Ignacio Brex is ruled forward, giving Ireland a scrum just outside their 22. Ireland are looking for some fluency here.

Italy 10-12 Ireland, 42 minutes

15:23 , Ciara Fearn

Italy win an early penalty after being obstructed while chasing the kick. Allan sends a strong kick deep into the Irish half.

Kick-off! Italy 10-12 Ireland, 40 minutes

15:21 , Ciara Fearn

Ireland kick-off and we are back under way.

A big second-half for Italy, in a bid to avoid the wooden spoon again.

WATCH: First-half highlights from Rome

15:13 , Luke Baker

Ireland look like the scars of last week against France may still be affecting them but they narrowly lead at half-time

Here’s the best of the first-half action

A ROMAN BEAUTY! 🇮🇹

It really is stunning rugby from Italy - the Azzurri lead! 💙#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/saAhfwrIgL
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 15, 2025

IRELAND ARE LEVEL! ☘️

Keenan goes over after a slick move off the back of the scum#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/8Xpyc371sN
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 15, 2025

It's alright to be cheeky now and again, just don't get caught doing it!

Michele Lamaro is sent to the bin 🟨#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/BSaejLIxxR
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 15, 2025

IRELAND LEAD! ☘️

The yellow card proves costly almost immediately as Ireland capitalise through a driving maul#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/8Cx4HjlHwS
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 15, 2025

Half-time! Italy 10-12 Ireland, 40 minutes

15:09 , Ciara Fearn

It looked like Italy would lead in Rome at half-time until Lamaro's moment of error right before the break.

He got a yellow card, and Ireland immediately took advantage. A great passage of play, and a huge second half is on the way!

Try! Italy 10-12 Ireland, 38 minutes

15:06 , Ciara Fearn

Ireland take advantage of the Italian defence. Ireland are putting together some solid phases, but Lamaro makes a terrible mistake with a penalty. He knocks the ball down with his knees, preventing Gibson-Park from getting it.

That’s a yellow card.

Dan Sheehan is clinical as Italy are punished. Ireland secure the lineout, and the maul drives toward the line.

Sheehan finishes it off and Jack Crowley’s conversion attempt drifts wide.

Italy 10-7 Ireland, 36 minutes

15:03

Garbisi's kick sails too far, and Hugo Keenan signals for the mark.

Ireland attempt to attack down the blindside from the lineout, but Dan Sheehan is stopped in his tracks.

The ball is recycled swiftly, and Ireland find themselves near the edge of the 22, but Italy’s defence remains solid.

Penalty! Italy 10-7 Ireland, 32 minutes

14:57 , Ciara Fearn

Page-Relo makes a massive break, but a high pass puts his team at a disadvantage. They recover possession, kick a grubber, and earn a dropout. Italy are awarded a penalty after Ringrose is caught offside at the breakdown.

They are opting for the penalty conversion. Tommaso Allan adds the points.

Italy 7-7 Ireland, 30 minutes

14:54 , Ciara Fearn

Lowe makes a good interception, but Ryan fails to gather the pass, knocking it on.

There’s no advantage before Capuozzo's kick, so the play returns to the scrum.

Italy have made two more substitutions as Sebastian Negro and Lorenzo Cannone leave the field with injuries. Ross Vintcent and Michele Lamaro come on to replace them. That's three injuries already!

Italy 7-7 Ireland, 28 mins

14:52 , Luke Baker

A compelling opening half an hour or so in Rome.

Italy 7-7 Ireland, 26 minutes

14:49 , Ciara Fearn

That was some hit on Mack Hansen by Monty Ioane!

Gibson-Park nails a superb kick, gaining Ireland more than 30 metres of territory.

Italy win the lineout, but a knock-on follows the box kick, giving Italy a scrum just past halfway.

Try! Italy 7-7 Ireland, 23 minutes

14:46 , Ciara Fearn

Simple, but brilliant from Hugo Keenan!

Crowley attracts two defenders from the scrum, creating space for Keenan, who finishes off the pass to score.

Ireland are increasing the tempo, but they need to be more effective when they reach the danger zone.

Italy 7-0 Ireland, 23 minutes

14:44

The phases continue to build right on the line as Ireland's forwards push forward once more.

Italy are penalised for an offside hand, and Ireland will have a scrum as a result.

No try! Italy 7-0 Ireland, 20 minutes

14:42

Ireland respond well. Try or not?

Ireland have a massive lineout just under five metres out. They set up the maul and continue to drive forward. Despite several stops, Bealham eventually gets over the line.

It looked like he had two attempts at crossing the line. It’s not awarded, but they will have the advantage.

WATCH: Italy take the lead with stunning early try

14:36 , Luke Baker

Here’s how Italy took the lead - a lovely offload from Menoncello and a perfectly-timed kick from Garbisi

A ROMAN BEAUTY! 🇮🇹

It really is stunning rugby from Italy - the Azzurri lead! 💙#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/saAhfwrIgL
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 15, 2025

Italy 7-0 Ireland, 15 minutes

14:36 , Ciara Fearn

James Lowe tries to initiate an attack down the left, but his kick has too much weight, allowing Italy to ground it in their own area. Italy clear their lines, but Ireland fumble the return.

Italy make a breakthrough through Menoncello once more, who delivers a strong pass. Ireland win a penalty as Italy are caught offside after picking up the ball from a knock-on.

Try! Italy 7-0 Ireland, 11 minutes

14:31 , Ciara Fearn

Perfectly timed, sharp, crisp off-loads, letting the ball do the work. It’s a thing of beauty!

Brilliant footwork and reaction from Menoncello and a superb offload to Garbisi.

Monty Ioane gets the try.

Italy 0-0 Ireland, 9 minutes

14:26 , Ciara Fearn

Some really positive play from Ireland. Italy try to pick up the pace, taking a quick free-kick and making decent progress up the field.

They quickly lose possession, allowing Ringrose to send a clever kick ahead. Capuozzo collects, but Jack Conan concedes a penalty at the ruck. Paolo Garbisi responds by kicking the ball back into Ireland’s half

Italy are being ponderous at the moment when they have the ball in possession.

Italy 0-0 Ireland, 7 minutes

14:24 , Ciara Fearn

A Knock-on by James Ryan . Ireland's opportunity slips away as Sheehan gets isolated.

However, with Italy unable to gain any ground, they are awarded the scrum.

Kick-off! Ireland 0-0 Italy, 2 minutes

14:18 , Ciara Fearn

And we’re off.. Italy in blue get us going first.

Ireland will need to be fast off the mark. Jamison Gibson-Park clears his lines with his first touch.

Italy will have a line-out.

The teams are making their entrance in Rome!

14:13 , Ciara Fearn

Caelan Doris and Ignacio Brex lead them out, and the anthems start.

Emotional moments for Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray. Kick-off is fast approaching.

Jack Crowley given a chance to shine at 10

14:03 , Luke Baker

Jack Crowley has been given the nod to start at fly half for Ireland this afternoon, ahead of Sam Prendergast who has been in the 10 jersey for the rest of the Six Nations.

It’s a Munster v Leinster battle for the shirt that has divided Irish fans. The ITV Rugby team have discussed Simon Easterby’s decision ahead of the game this afternoon:

"Depending on where you come from In Ireland it's been a travesty of justice with Crowley not being selected."

Who should wear the ten shirt for Ireland? ☘️#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/vQSWMIfOxe
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 15, 2025

Six Nations title permutations - what do Ireland need?

13:54 , Luke Baker

Ireland head into today’s clash with a chance of lifting the trophy but it’s fair to say that they are distinct third favourites to do so today.

What do Ireland need?

Defeat to France without so much as a bonus point leaves Ireland down on 14 championship points (England have 15, France have 16).

A bonus-point win in Rome is a must, then, and preferably by a significant margin to repair the damage done to their points difference by France. Five match points would take the defending champions to 19 overall and if France and England both lost, then Ireland would be champions.

They can also be crowned champions if they secure a bonus-point win over Italy, France lose to Scotland and England beat Wales but fail to secure a bonus point. In that scenario, Ireland and England would both be on 19 championship points, meaning the title would come down to points difference, with England currently just seven points ahead of the men in green on that metric.

Italy v Ireland talking points - Azzurri to add to Ireland’s blues?

13:41 , Luke Baker

An away victory is largely being taken for granted. Ireland have lost just one of the previous 25 Six Nations fixtures between the countries but Italy have improved significantly in recent years and demonstrated their try-scoring threat throughout the competition.

Gonzalo Quesada’s side begin the weekend a point above winless Wales as they bid to avoid the wooden spoon for the second successive year.

Quesada has made seven changes to the side beaten 47-24 by England, including dropping captain Michele Lamaro to the bench. A shock home win would leave alarm bells ringing in the Irish camp.

Italy have endured a tough Six Nations (Getty Images)

Italy v Ireland talking points - End of an era

13:20 , Luke Baker

The Eternal City provides the backdrop for the swansongs of two Ireland greats.

Flanker Peter O’Mahony and scrum-half Conor Murray, who are among the replacements, will end their illustrious international careers following the match.

Cian Healy – Ireland’s most-capped player, with 137 appearances – has already played his final Test after being left out of the 23.

With a host of star names also expected to join permanent head coach Andy Farrell on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, Easterby’s squad for a summer series will likely have a very different feel.

Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony are retiring from international rugby along with teammate Cian Healy (Liam McBurney/PA Wire)

Italy v Ireland talking points - Crowley in from the cold

13:01 , Luke Baker

Munster fly-half Jack Crowley played every minute of Ireland’s title-winning campaign in 2024 but the 25-year-old is now preparing for his first start of this year’s championship amid speculation about his club future.

Crowley has had to remain patient for an opportunity to regain the number 10 jersey from Leinster’s Sam Prendergast and will certainly be eager to prove a point.

If reports of a summer move to English club Leicester come to fruition, it may be his last international outing for the foreseeable future.

Italy v Ireland talking points - Slim shot

12:40 , Luke Baker

Ireland need to win – ideally with a bonus point – to stand any chance of snatching the title. They will then face a waiting game.

If Ireland successfully increase their points tally from 14 to 19, the permutations for them to lift silverware are relatively straightforward – they need second-placed England to, at most, beat Wales without a bonus point while also surrendering their current points difference advantage of seven, and then France must lose to Scotland in Paris.

Italy v Ireland talking points - Bouncing back

12:20 , Luke Baker

What a difference a week makes. Ireland went into a mouthwatering contest with France in the championship driving seat but are now in serious danger of finishing third.

While there is no shame in losing a fixture which has ultimately decided the destination of the title in the past three years, Ireland’s performance in the 42-27 loss was alarming.

Easterby’s men must improve significantly on a shambolic second-half display to put some pressure on their title rivals.

Caelan Doris: Ireland determined to end Six Nations with their best performance

11:59 , Luke Baker

Captain Caelan Doris insisted there is no sense of anti-climax in the Ireland camp as they fight to keep alive their scant hopes of Six Nations glory against Italy.

Simon Easterby’s side had hoped to be running out in Rome on the cusp of an unprecedented third consecutive title and a second Grand Slam in three years.

But, following last weekend’s 42-27 hammering against France, Ireland must rely on results elsewhere to snatch the championship crown and are in serious danger of finishing third.

Caelan Doris: Ireland determined to end Six Nations with their best performance

Ireland and England must avoid Six Nations trap to set up thrilling finale

11:37 , Luke Baker

Spare a thought for the logistics team at the Six Nations, for which this has not been an easy week.

In their pre-tournament plotting and planning, this would surely have been both a dream and nightmare scenario: a “Super Saturday” where each and every game contains a title contender and the men’s champions will not be known until the bells of Notre-Dame chime 11 times.

The smart money would be of a straightforward Stade de France lifting of the trophy after France dispatch Scotland in Paris, but things are seldom that simple in this championship.

Take care of business themselves and Ireland and England could face an anxious wait, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on hold to host a hoisting if required, while an Irish three-peat would see an “opulent palazzo” employed to give a sense of ceremony to the medal presentation.

Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full preview of the final day:

Ireland and England handed one task to ensure thrilling Six Nations finale

Italy vs Ireland Prediction: Irish Backlash to Leave Azzurri Bruised

11:15 , Luke Baker

Italy have only won four of the 37 meetings between the two sides, with their last victory coming in 2013 when they ran out 22-15 winners in Rome.

Since then Ireland have won 15 in a row and could well make it 16 today. Rugby betting sites agree with Ireland at 1/14 for the win, while you can get 9/1 on an Italy win and 50/1 on a draw.

Italy have won just one match, and that came against Wales in Rome, when the home side ran out 22-15 winners. They have lost the other three matches with an aggregate scoreline of 151-57.

Check out our prediction and best bets:

Italy vs Ireland prediction: Irish Backlash to Leave Azzurri Bruised

Simon Easterby explains Ireland team selection

10:52 , Luke Baker

Simon Easterby has explained his team selection, with JAck Crowley coming in for Sam Prendergast at No 10 as the main change.

“We have freshened things up a little this week in selection and it’s a great boost to welcome back some players from injury, alongside others who have patiently waited in the wings for their chance to start,” said the interim head coach.

“While there was disappointment with certain aspects of our performance last weekend, we are thankful for the chance to get back on the horse this week.

“We’ve shown our resilience in recent years and I have no reason to believe that the game in Rome this weekend will be any different.

“The attitude of the players has been spot on since we gathered on Sunday evening, and you can sense a determination amongst everyone to give their best performance of the campaign. That’s both the challenge and the opportunity that faces us this week.”

Italy team news

10:35 , Luke Baker

Italy have dropped captain Michele Lamaro to the bench, with Manuel Zuliani given an opportunity on the openside and Juan Ignacio Brex named skipper.

There are plenty of changes elsewhere, too, with Tommaso Allan, Martin Page-Relo, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Simone Ferrari, Dino Lamb and Lorenzo Cannone all handed starts.

Italy XV: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 3 Simone Ferrari; 4 Dino Lamb, 5 Federico Ruzza; 6 Sebastian Negri, 7 Manuel Zuliani, 8 Lorenzo Cannone; 9 Martin Page-Relo, 10 Paolo Garbisi; 11 Monty Ioane, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 14 Ange Capuozzo; 15 Tommaso Allan.

Replacements: 16 Giacomo Nicotera, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Giosue Zilocchi, 19 Niccolo Cannone, 20 Michele Lamaro, 21 Ross Vintcent; 21 Stephen Varney, 23 Leonardo Marin.

Ireland team news

10:22 , Luke Baker

Simon Easterby hands fly half Jack Crowley his first start of the tournament with Sam Prendergast dropped to the bench.

Mack Hansen and James Lowe are fit to return on the wings while Tadhg Furlong is back on the bench after his injury travails.

Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray will make their final appearances for Ireland off the bench, but Cian Healy has played his final Test - Jack Boyle is preferred as the replacement loosehead.

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan.

Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Peter O'Mahony; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Bundee Aki.

How to watch Italy v Ireland

10:12 , Luke Baker

Ireland vs Italy is due to kick off at 2.15pm GMT on Saturday 15 March at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 1.30pm GMT. A live stream will be available via ITVX.

Everything you need to know about Italy v Ireland

10:00 , Luke Baker

Ireland know a win is a must if they are to preserve they faint Six Nations title hopes as they take on Italy on Super Saturday.

The grand slam dreams were dashed by a drubbing at the hands of France in the penultimate round to leave Les Bleus in control of their own destiny as they prepare to take on Scotland in the championship denouement.

Ireland’s hopes of an historic third straight title require a French slip-up in Paris and England failing to take a full five points against Wales.

All Simon Easterby’s side can do, though, is put the pressure on by beating an Italian team that have struggled defensively in their last two outings.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Is Italy vs Ireland on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Six Nations clash

Italy v Ireland

09:55 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Six Nations Super Saturday, which kicks off with a fascinating clash between Italy and Ireland in Rome.

That one starts at 2.15pm and we’ll have full live coverage

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