Ireland vs Italy live: Hosts hold on to deny Azzurri historic Six Nations upset in Dublin

Ireland 20-13 Italy: Unconvincing Ireland overcome half-time deficit to down the battling Azzurri and earn a first win of this Six Nations

Ugo Monye reveals his Six Nations predictions

Ireland overcame a half-time deficit and then clung on at the death to unconvincingly beat Italy 20-13 and avoid a historic Six Nations upset at the Aviva Stadium.

The Azzurri have never beaten Ireland in Dublin in this championship but fancied their chances of ending that drought after an opening weekend that saw them secure a win over Scotland in wretched conditions, while Andy Farrell’s side were completely outclassed by France in Paris to raise a few tough questions about their supposed rebuild.

The hosts were poor in the first half and deservedly trailed 10-5 at the break, as Jamie Osborne’s try was bettered by Giacomo Nicotera’s driving maul score and a Paolo Garbisi penalty – and Italy should have led by more, only to waste a golden opportunity right on the Irish line on the stroke of half-time.

Jack Conan’s try early in the second half levelled the score and after Louis Lynagh’s lovely dot-down was ruled out for a Tommaso Menoncello forward pass shortly after, Ireland capitalise to retake the lead through Robert Baloucoune’s sumptuous effort and withstood a wave of Azzurri pressure at the death to send a sigh of relief around the Aviva.

Relive all the action from the Aviva Stadium with our live blog below:

Ireland vs Italy live

• Ireland beat Italy in dramatic finish to Six Nations match
• 59' - TRY! Stunning team try finished off superbly by Baloucoune (IRE 17-10 ITA)
• 42' TRY! Conan goes low and crosses to level it (IRE 10-10 ITA)
• 34' - TRY! The Italy driving maul rumbles over the line to grab lead in Dublin (IRE 5-10 ITA)
• 17' - TRY! Irish pressure finally tells as Osborne dots down with Italy reduced to 14 men (IRE 5-0 ITA)

[14 February 2026 17:00 · Chris Wilson]

Pinned

Sam Prendergast struggles create more questions but Ireland narrowly survive Italy scare

Ireland survived a major scare by holding on to scrape an unconvincing 20-13 Six Nations win over Italy in Dublin.

Andy Farrell’s side trailed 10-5 at half-time after Giacomo Nicotera’s try and five points from Paolo Garbisi stunned a sold-out Aviva Stadium crowd following Jamie Osborne’s opening score.

Jack Conan and championship debutant Robert Baloucoune restored order with second-half tries as the hosts ultimately bounced back from a humbling 36-14 round-one loss away to France.

[14 February 2026 16:55 · Chris Wilson]

Farrell: 'We showed great character'

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell had this to say after the final whistle:

"I thought we showed great character. Italy do not lie down like they have done in recent years. I am so unbelievably proud of the team. They showed a lot of character and that will stand us in good stead.

"We stood strong at the end and, after a spotty first half, I was a lot happier with the second half performance."

[14 February 2026 16:50 · Chris Wilson]

FULL-TIME! Ireland 20-13 Italy

“It was a brilliant performance from Italy, they didn't get the win but they backed up the performance after Scotland again today,” said 2014 World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi.

“The scrum, I have never seen Furlong put up on his feet! I feel sorry for Italy because they didn't get the result but next week will be big for them,” she added.

[14 February 2026 16:40 · Chris Wilson]

Ireland fixtures

Here’s the list of remaining Ireland fixtures for this year’s Six Nations:

21 February

England vs Ireland - 2.10pm

6 March

Ireland vs Wales - 8.10pm

14 March

Ireland vs Scotland - 2.10pm

[14 February 2026 16:35 · Chris Wilson]

O'Driscoll: 'It was about a result more than a performance'

“We said beforehand it was about a result more than a performance,” says former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll.

“In parts I thought they were good but to be honest, it's not the Ireland we have expected in the last few years but they will take solace from the fact that's a good Italian team. It was tough opposition and they ground it out,” he added.

(Getty Images)

[14 February 2026 16:31 · Chris Wilson]

Doris: 'It was a proper battle'

Here’s what Ireland captain Caelan Doris had to say at full-time:

“It was a proper battle but we're delighted to come out on the right side. Italy tested us and made us work hard but relieved we got over the line,” he explained.

"It wasn't perfect but there was good intent in the second half which is what we spoke about during the week.

"We need to get better at turning pressure into points,” he added.

(AP)

[14 February 2026 16:25 · Chris Wilson]

FULL-TIME! Ireland 20-13 Italy

“A few decent individual performances but, overall, that is not a performance that will give England too many sleepless nights ahead of next week's game,” says former Ireland forward Mike McCarthy.

“The scrum is a big concern for me,” adds the ex- Irelandsecond row.

(Niall Carson/PA Wire)

[14 February 2026 16:17 · Chris Wilson]

FULL-TIME! Ireland 20-13 Italy

Well, an unconvincing performance from Ireland but they got it done in the end in a game that was brilliant watching for the neutral.

The Italians probably deserved a draw in the end (at least) but they once again leave Dublin empty-handed – though that performance will provide plenty of hope for the near-future.

As for Ireland, they’re underway in their Six Nations campaign, but they’ll need to be better against England next week if they want a result!

[14 February 2026 16:11 · Chris Wilson]

FULL-TIME! Ireland 20-13 Italy

(REUTERS)

(AP)

(Getty Images)

[14 February 2026 16:08 · Chris Wilson]

FULL-TIME! Ireland 20-13 Italy

83 mins

Everyone seems to think Ireland might go for the bonus point but Crowley kicks it out and Ireland take the win!

A dramatic win for the hosts in Dublin after a superb game!