Ireland vs Italy Six Nations: Predictions, Team Updates, Betting Tips & Odds
The upcoming Six Nations clash between Ireland and Italy is set for Saturday, February 14, with kickoff scheduled for 2:10 PM GMT. The game will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and will be broadcast on ITV1 and Virgin Media One. This match follows Ireland’s disappointing 36-14 loss to France in their opening game.
Match Preview: Ireland vs Italy
Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell has implemented six changes to the starting lineup after the team’s underwhelming performance against France. The Irish squad aims to regain their form after struggling since their quarter-finals exit in the 2023 World Cup.
Despite having a successful Six Nations in 2024 and achieving four wins in 2025, Ireland has shown signs of inconsistency. Their last season concluded with a narrow 22-17 victory over Italy, and they now face a revitalized Azzurri team hungry for success. Italy’s morale is high following an 18-15 win against Scotland in their first fixture of the Championship.
Team Changes and Strategy
- Ireland’s Changes: Joe McCarthy, Cormac Izuchukwu, Jack Conan, Craig Casey, James Lowe, and Robert Baloucoune will start.
- Italy’s Changes: Lorenzo Pani replaces Ignacio Brex, adjusting the backline configuration.
Both coaches aim to leverage their squad’s strengths. Farrell has hinted at adopting a French-style loose forward approach, while Italy’s Gonzalo Quesada wants to keep play dynamic. Under Quesada’s leadership, Italy has shifted towards a more attacking mindset, moving away from an overly conservative game plan.
Key Statistics
- Ireland has won 34 of their last 38 encounters with Italy.
- The Irish triumphed in 24 out of 25 Six Nations fixtures against Italy.
- Italy has yet to secure a Six Nations win on Irish soil.
- Dan Sheehan, Ireland’s hooker, scored five tries in the last two matches against Italy.
- Niccolo Cannone of Italy recorded the most tackles in Round One, with 26.
Predicted Lineups
Ireland Starting XV
- 15. Jamie Osborne
- 14. Robert Baloucoune
- 13. Garry Ringrose
- 12. Stuart McCloskey
- 11. James Lowe
- 10. Sam Prendergast
- 9. Craig Casey
- 1. Jeremy Loughman
- 2. Dan Sheehan
- 3. Tom Clarkson
- 4. Joe McCarthy
- 5. James Ryan
- 6. Cormac Izuchukwu
- 7. Caelan Doris (c)
- 8. Jack Conan
Italy Starting XV
- 15. Lorenzo Pani
- 14. Louis Lynagh
- 13. Tommaso Menoncello
- 12. Leonardo Marin
- 11. Monty Ioane
- 10. Paolo Garbisi
- 9. Alessandro Fusco
- 1. Danilo Fischetti
- 2. Giacomo Nicotera
- 3. Simone Ferrara
- 4. Niccolo Cannone
- 5. Andrea Zambonin
- 6. Michele Lamaro (c)
- 7. Manuel Zuliani
- 8. Lorenzo Cannone
Betting Odds
The current betting lines for the match are as follows:
- Ireland: 1-12 for victory
- Italy: 7-1
- Handicap: Ireland -17, 10-11; Italy +17, 10-11
- Draw: 40-1
This encounter promises to be a competitive clash in the Six Nations, with Ireland looking to prove a point while Italy seeks to build on their recent success. For further insights and analysis on the Six Nations, visit Filmogaz.com.
