Andy Farrell believes talk of leading Ireland to back-to-back Grand Slam titles is premature as he looks to build on the “feel-good factor” created by their big Guinness Six Nations win over France.
Reigning champions Ireland made a statement in Marseille on Friday night with a stunning 38-17 bonus point victory over the pre-tournament favorites.
The match has proven to be a Six Nations championship match in each of the past two years, with Ireland winning 32-19 in Dublin 12 months ago to dethrone Les Bleus. It was a revenge for the 30-24 loss in Paris in 2022.
Italy are improving greatly, as they showed in the match against England, but the chances of them achieving a result in Dublin are slim to none.
When is Ireland vs Italy?
Ireland and Italy will play on Sunday 11th February. The match will kick off at 3pm Japan time.
where is ireland vs italy
Aviva Stadium in Dublin. A place where the Azzurri have never won.
How to watch Ireland vs Italy on TV
The match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK. In the Republic of Ireland, Virgin Media holds the live broadcast rights.
Who is the referee?
Pierre Bourset of France will be in charge of this match.
What’s the latest team news?
Ireland hope center Garry Ringrose will be available for Sunday’s match against Italy in Dublin.
Leinster co-captain Ringrose is “progressing well” in his recovery from a shoulder injury. This caused him to miss Round 1 against France, which his country won 38-17.
The 29-year-old also missed training on Wednesday, but Ireland’s coaching staff expect him to be fully fit for the Azzurri’s visit to the Aviva Stadium.
With Ringrose absent, Robbie Henshaw partnered Bundy Aki in midfield for Friday night’s impressive bonus point win at Marseille.
When was the last time Ireland and Italy won the Six Nations?
Ireland won the 2023 Six Nations last year and also won the Grand Slam and Triple Crown.
Italy has never won the title. Since entering the contest in 2000, they have won 18 of his wooden spoons.