Ireland vs Italy Predictions - Italy set for another impressive showing

Ireland have won their last 14 matches against Italy, including a 33-17 win at home in a 2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up game last year. Italy last beat Ireland in 2013 and in total, have only won four times in their 36 matches.

Ireland will still be disappointed with their 2023 Rugby World Cup performance. They went into the tournament as the world No.1 side and performed well, beating the eventual champions, South Africa in the group stage.

However, in the quarter-final, Ireland came up short against an inspired All Black side. It wasn’t a choke as it was probably one of the best games of rugby ever played between two superb sides.

Ireland put that all behind them last week to show that they are still right up there, beating France 38-17 in Paris. It was a result few saw coming but the Irish dominated from the first whistle.

Ireland are very likely to make a few changes to their side. While they will not take Italy lightly, it is an opportunity to give some others in the squad a run.

Italy are a vastly improved side of late despite some poor results. The Italians were very impressive in the Six Nations last year despite losing all five games.

At the World Cup they underperformed as France and New Zealand annihilated them. However, bar those two results, the Italians have shown over the last 12 months how good they can be.

Last week was a case in point as Italy, at home against England, went into the break 17-14 up. The lack of experience told in the end as England snuck home to win 27-24. But, with more experience, Italy could and should have won that game.

There are some injury concerns for Italy, but we won’t know until later this week whether they will miss the game. Regardless, I expect a few changes to the side.