Italy vs Ireland LIVE! Six Nations 2023 match stream, latest score and rugby updates today
Italy vs Ireland LIVE!
The Six Nations return to Rome this afternoon with Ireland as heavy favorites as they take another step towards a first Grand Slam since 2018 a fortnight ago, one of the greatest matches this brilliant competition has ever seen.
It was another key message from the men in green that they peaked at exactly the right time as they look to finish their World Cup fagot later this year. Farrell has made six changes to his team in round three for tonight’s clash at the Stadio Olimpico, with Ross Byrne starting at half-time, captain Johnny Sexton sidelined and James Ryan receiving the armband. Ireland lost Garry Ringrose to late injury on Friday.
Italy need to pick up some steam again after being defeated by England last time out at Twickenham, a disappointing setback after they gave France an almighty scare in the opening weekend. Pierre Bruno and Simone Ferrari arrive in Kieran Crowley’s starting XV. Follow Italy v Ireland live in the Six Nations below!
Italy vs Ireland latest news
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Kick-off time: 14:15 GMT, Stadio Olimpico
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How to watch: ITV
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Italy line-up as Garbisi returns at half-time
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Ireland’s line-up after six Farrell changes
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Prognosis: Ireland wins by 25 points
Italy vs Ireland prediction
12:02 , George flood
Ireland are by far the best team in the world at the moment, with this exciting win over France – in which they missed several tries on the field – underscoring their significant progress under Farrell ahead of the World Cup, where they have never been beyond the quarter-finals .
A Grand Slam is increasingly likely for the men in green with Scotland and England, while it is indeed very difficult to see them slip from afar in Rome despite missing players like the influential Johhny Sexton.
Italy stood no chance against England and will need to rediscover the kind of fearless performance that almost saw them beat France in round one to keep things respectable on Saturday.
A comfortable away win beckons, with the Azzurri likely targeting a visit to troubled Wales on March 11 as their best chance of victory this year.
Ireland wins by 25 points.
Lineup Ireland
12:00 p.m , George flood
Ireland XV: Keenan; Hansen, Aki, McCloskey, Lowe; R Byrne, Casey; Carrier, Kelleher, Bealham; Henderson, Ryan (c); Doris, Van der Flier, Conan.
Substitute: D. Sheehan, Kilcoyne, O’Toole, Baird, O’Mahony, Murray, Crowley, O’Brien.
Lineup Italy
12:00 p.m , George flood
Italy XV: Capuozzo; Padovani, Brex, Menoncello, Bruno; Garbisi, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, Cannone N, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (c), Cannone L.
Substitute: Bigi, Zani, Riccioni, Iachizzi, Pettinelli, Fusco, Morisi, Allan.
How to watch Italy vs Ireland
11:59 , George flood
TV channel: In the UK, Italy v Ireland will be televised live and free to air on ITV1, starting at 1.25pm this afternoon.
Live broadcast: Fans can also follow the action live online via the ITVX app and ITV website.
Welcome to LIVE coverage between Italy and Ireland!
11:55 , George flood
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s latest LIVE coverage of the Six Nations 2023, with the action returning this afternoon after the first week of the competition sitting idle.
A tough showdown between Wales and England is later on the agenda in Cardiff, while Scotland travel to France tomorrow, but first round three is Rome.
Ireland arrive at the Stadio Olimpico looking to add two more victories of a first Grand Slam since 2018 after an unforgettable triumph over the French in Dublin two weeks ago that marked another important milestone in a World Cup year.
They are big favorites to sack an Italian side who made a worrying move against England at Twickenham after beating the French so narrowly on home soil in the opening weekend
Kick-off is at 14:15 GMT today so stay tuned for the build-up, the latest team news, thoughts from both camps and live game updates.
