Italy vs Ireland predictions, betting tips and odds: Uncertain Irish still capable of running riot in Rome

Where to watch Italy vs Ireland 

You can watch Italy vs Ireland on ITV1 at 2.15pm on Saturday, March 15

 Italy vs Ireland best bet

Ireland to win by 31-40 points
1pt 15-4 bet365

Jack Conan to score a try
2pts 13-10 bet365

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Italy vs Ireland odds

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Odds correct at time of publishing

Italy vs Ireland predictions

On a day when points are expected to pile up, the opening match in Rome could be a cracker as defensively deficient Italy host uncertain Ireland.

The Azzurri were unlucky in their opening 31-19 defeat to Scotland before living up to expectations by beating Wales 22-15.

You'd think that would be job done in their quest to avoid the wooden spoon but their defence disappeared in losing 73-24 to France and 47-24 to England.

Italy's 166 points conceded is 39 more than any other side, while the four points earned against Wales are all they have accrued in this tournament, meaning Wales, with three bonus points, could still finish above them.

Gonzalo Quesada has responded to the Twickenham defeat by making seven changes, including dropping captain Michele Lamaro to the bench after he and his team failed to live up to his previous performances.

Similar accusations can be made against Ireland, who should seal a fourth victory in 2025, having averaged a 34-point winning margin in the 11 meetings since losing in Rome in 2013.

They can still mathematically take the title but will probably conclude their campaign with regret that they failed to complete a Grand Slam, and doubt over how things have unravelled.

After beating England 27-22 and Scotland 32-18, a much-changed side struggled to overcome Wales 27-18 before France's giant forwards manhandled the returning big boys.

The eternal barbs about Ireland's inability to mix it physically resurfaced as 'Le Bomb Squad's' 7-1 bench split bulldozed their pack and Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud burned them off out wide in 42-27 defeat. 

Emotion also played its part as the Aviva Stadium said goodbye to Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray but O'Mahony has dropped to the bench alongside Murray, while Healy is out completely. 

Fly-half Jack Crowley and centre Garry Ringrose are among those to come in, as is Jack Conan.

A British and Irish Lions Test starter at number eight in 2021, Conan's form has since been overshadowed by captain Caelan Doris.

The 32-year-old has looked reborn in this Six Nations, embracing his role as an impact sub. 

While some of his teammates' Lions chances have suffered, the Leinsterman's three tries have seen his skyrocket and he can help his side finish with a flourish.

Italy vs Ireland team line-ups

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

Replacements: 16 Giacomo Nicotera, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Joshua Zilocchi, 19 Niccolo Cannone, 20 Michele Lamaro, 21 Ross Vintcent, 22 Stephen Varney, 23 Leonardo Marin.

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan; 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe; 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 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.

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.

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Read more on the Six Nations . . .

France vs Scotland predictions, betting tips and odds: Les Bleus primed to power to title success 

Wales vs England predictions, betting tips and odds: Fantastic Freeman ready to inspire Red Rose 

Graham Woods: Three-way title grab is a fun sideshow but not what the Six Nations is about 

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