Ireland vs Italy U20 Predictions - Italy to prevail against Ireland

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 1 minute ago

Brad Newcomb 1 minute ago

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Italy have won the last two matches against Ireland.
Ireland struggles in recent performances, losing 7 of last 9.
Italy are predicted to cover the handicap.

Italy have defeated Ireland twice in a row in recent matchups (Getty Images)

Ireland had no answer in the Six Nations opener, but they have a solid record against Italy at home. Italy have had success against Ireland lately.

Italy have won 2 of their last 5 fixtures in all competitions.
Italy have won 2 of their last 5 away games in all competitions.
Italy have won their last 2 matches against Ireland.
Ireland have lost 4 of their last 5 home fixtures in all competitions.
Ireland have won 4 of their last 5 home games against Italy.

Head to Head

Ireland hold a commanding lead of 11 victories to three against Italy in 14 meetings since 2012.

Ireland U20 Form

Ireland were outplayed in their opening Six Nations U20 Championship match against France last weekend, losing 50-21 away after trailing 31-14 at half-time.

Before that, Ireland struggled at the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship last July. They defeated Georgia 35-28 and lost to Italy 18-16, New Zealand 69-22, Scotland 22-21, before defeating Spain 38-37 to finish 11th.

Ireland have not had much success recently, including against Italy, but they have defeated their opponents four times in their last five clashes on home soil.

Italy U20 Form

Italy had no answer in the second half against Scotland in their opening Six Nations U20 Championship match last weekend, winning 36-10 away after trailing 17-10 at the break.

Before that, Italy had a decent World Rugby U20 Championship last July. They lost 14-5 to New Zealand, beat Ireland 18-16, drew 19-19 with Georgia, and lost 44-21 to Australia before defeating Wales 31-23 to finish seventh.

Italy will look to exploit Ireland’s lacklustre form and register their third consecutive victory over their hosts, having defeated them 15‑12 in the Six Nations and 18‑16 in the World Rugby U20 Championship last year.

Team News

Ireland

Christopher Barrett scored a brace against France last weekend.

Josh Neill contributed a try in the match.

Tom Wood landed three conversions.

Starting XV: Noah Byrne, Derry Moloney, Rob Carney, James O’Leary, Daniel Ryan, Tom Wood, Christopher Barrett, Max Doyle, Lee Fitzpatrick, Sami Bishti (c), Dylan McNeice, Donnacha McGuire, Joe Finn, Josh Neill, Diarmaid O’Connell

Replacements: Rian Handley, Christian Foley, Blake McClean, Ben Blaney, Billy Hayes, James O’Dwyer, Charlie O’Shea, Johnny O’Sullivan

Italy

Daniele Coluzzi scored the only try for Italy last weekend.

Roberto Fasti kicked over a conversion and a penalty against France.

Starting XV: Edoardo Vitale, Malik Faissal, Daniele Coluzzi, Riccardo Casarin (c), Luca Rossi, Francesco Braga, Alessandro Teodosio, Davide Sette, Carlo Antonio Bianchi, Antony Italo Miranda, Enoch Opoku‑Gyamfi, Simone Fardin, Luca Trevisan, Valerio Pelli, Christian Brasini

Replacements: Jacopo De Rossi, Giacomo Messori, Leonardo Tosi, Jaheim Noel Wilson, Marco Spreafichi, Nikolaj Varotto, Thomas Del Sureto, Alessio Scaramazza