Ireland battled back from a halftime deficit to edge Italy 20–13 in an unconvincing Six Nations Championship victory in Dublin on Saturday, avoiding what would have been a historic home defeat.
A week after being dismantled 36–14 by France, Ireland showed resilience but little fluency, needing a second-half surge to deny a fearless Italian side that came within inches of a famous upset.
Italy Stun Ireland with First-Half Control
Ireland began brightly, with wings Robert Baloucoune and James Lowe threatening early, but Italy’s defence held firm.
The breakthrough came when Italy winger Louis Lynagh was sin-binned, allowing centre Stuart McCloskey to send fullback Jamie Osborne over for the opening try. However, missed conversions kept the door open.
Italy seized momentum when hooker Giacomo Nicotera powered over from a driving maul, with fly-half Paolo Garbisi converting to hand the visitors a deserved 10–5 halftime lead — their first ever advantage at the break in Dublin.
Ireland Rally After the Break
Ireland responded immediately after halftime through No.8 Jack Conan, who burrowed over from close range to level the contest.
Italy continued to threaten, creating multiple opportunities, including a disallowed try after a forward pass from Tommaso Menoncello halted a brilliant attacking move.
The introduction of scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and fly-half Jack Crowley proved decisive. Ireland’s tempo lifted, and Baloucoune finished superbly in the corner before Crowley added the conversion and a penalty to stretch the lead to 20–10.
Italy Push Ireland to the Brink
Italy refused to fade, dominating the scrum and applying relentless pressure in the closing stages. A late Garbisi penalty cut the deficit, and the visitors pushed deep into Irish territory after the final hooter.
But Lowe intercepted Italy’s final attack to relieve the pressure and secure a narrow win that exposed Ireland’s continued struggles following their heavy loss in Paris.
Relief, Not Redemption
The victory offered Ireland much-needed relief but few answers ahead of their looming clash with England at Twickenham.
For Italy, however, the performance confirmed their growing competitiveness, pushing one of the championship’s giants to the brink on their own turf.
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