Ireland overcame a half-time deficit to defeat Italy 20-13 in their Six Nations encounter at Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
The Azzurri held a 10-5 advantage at the interval, marking the first occasion they had led at the break in a Six Nations fixture on Irish soil.
Andy Farrell’s substitutes ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.
Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and fly-half Jack Crowley transformed the contest after their introduction, injecting pace and precision into Ireland’s attack.
Winger James Lowe capped an impressive return to the starting lineup by intercepting Monty Ioane’s pass late on to secure the result.
The opening period proved troublesome for the hosts, who squandered multiple opportunities inside Italy’s 22-metre line.
Ireland managed just five points from their early territorial dominance, with Jamie Osborne crossing following patient phase play after Stuart McCloskey’s offload.
Sam Prendergast’s missed conversion compounded Irish frustrations, while Paolo Garbisi responded with a penalty for the visitors.
Ireland overcame a half-time deficit to defeat Italy 20-13 in their Six Nations encounter
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Italy’s pack established clear superiority at the set-piece, with referee Hollie Davidson penalising Ireland twice at scrum time.
The visitors’ confidence grew visibly as their backs began exploiting gaps in the Irish defence.
Hooker Giacomo Nicotera powered over from a driving maul to give Italy their remarkable half-time advantage.
The second period began with Jack Conan driving over from close range following a lineout deep in Italian territory, though Prendergast again failed with the conversion attempt.
The introduction of British and Irish Lions trio Tadhg Beirne, Ronan Kelleher and Gibson-Park shifted momentum decisively in Ireland’s favour.
When Crowley replaced Prendergast, the Dublin crowd responded with what observers described as the loudest cheer of the afternoon.
Crowley immediately accelerated Ireland’s attacking tempo, creating overlaps across the pitch.
Robert Baloucoune capitalised on the improved service, bursting through from his wing with a superb sidestep to score. Crowley’s successful conversion put Ireland ahead 17-10.
A further Crowley penalty extended Ireland’s lead to ten points before Garbisi reduced the deficit from the tee following another dominant Italian scrum, with Tadhg Furlong lifted clean off his feet by Mirco Spagnolo.
The closing stages saw Italy press desperately for a match-winning score, but Ireland’s defence held firm.
Lowe’s interception in the 83rd minute ended any remaining Italian hopes and sent the hosts hunting for a bonus point.
Despite the defeat, Italy’s scrum performance throughout represented a significant development in their Six Nations campaign.
Ireland’s superior bench resources, featuring four Lions, ultimately decided the contest.
