Ireland vs Italy U20 Predictions - Italy to push Ireland close in World Rugby Championship

These two met in the Six Nations earlier this year, a match Ireland won 23-22 at home.

Ireland U20 come into this tournament as favourites to lift the title after making the final last season. They lost that game to France quite handsomely, but this year they will be looking to turn their fortunes around.

Earlier in 2024, Ireland finished second in the Six Nations to England by a solitary point. They went through the tournament unbeaten, winning four games and drawing one.

That 32-all draw against England was an impressive result after beating France in Paris by six points. Ireland beat Italy at home 23-22 before thrashing Wales and Scotland by 30+ points.

This is a massive game for Ireland as victory will put them on the path towards the semi-finals. Expect their strongest available side.

Italy U20 have been good over the last few years, proof that the country is producing top quality rugby players at youth level. That has started to show in the national setup as well.

However, Italy, despite good results, are quite inconsistent and they still struggle with depth in their squad. On their day, Italy can beat any U20 side, they just don’t do it regularly enough.

Proof of that came in the Six Nations earlier this year when the Italians lost convincingly at home to England before losing by just a point in Ireland. They then beat France away from home and Scotland at home, only to lose to Wales in the final round.

Italy know they are capable of beating Ireland, so they should be at full-strength.