Michael Cantillon
Sports Journalist
Jamie Osborne, Jack Conan, Robert Baloucoune score tries for Ireland as they fight from behind to beat Italy in Dublin – avoiding first ever home loss to Azzurri; Impact of Jack Crowley in second half in place of fly-half Sam Prendergast proved huge, but Italy still almost came back to win
Last Updated: 14/02/26 4:15pm
Ireland’s replacements saw them kick on to a 20-13 comeback victory over Italy in Round 2 of the Six Nations, avoiding what would have been a first ever loss to the Azzurri in Dublin.
After a woeful first-half display, which saw Ireland go in 10-5 behind at half-time following a try from Italy hooker Giacomo Nicotera and the boot of Paolo Garbisi (one penalty, one conversion), the second half saw a response.
Following a first-half Jamie Osborne try, Jack Conan and Robert Baloucoune scored second-half efforts for the lead – the latter score coming after noticeable impact provided by Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Beirne.
Ireland 20-13 Italy – Score summary
Ireland – Tries: Osborne (17), Conan (43), Baloucoune (57). Cons: Crowley (58). Pens: Crowley (63).
Italy – Tries: Nicotera (33). Cons: Garbisi (34). Pens: Garbisi (21, 66).
Once Italy narrowed the deficit back to seven points via Garbisi’s boot, Menencello spurned a huge chance with four minutes to play for a leveller, knocking on after an awkward bounce by the posts as the Irish held on.
What’s next?
Ireland next face England in Round 3 of the Six Nations on Saturday February 21 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (2.10pm kick-off).
Ireland’s Six Nations 2026 fixtures
| Thursday, February 5 | France 36-14 Ireland | |
| Saturday, February 14 | Ireland 20-13 Italy | |
| Saturday, February 21 | England vs Ireland | 2.10pm |
| Friday, March 6 | Ireland vs Wales | 8.10pm |
| Saturday, March 14 | Ireland vs Scotland | 2.10pm |
Italy travel to face France at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille for their third Six Nations clash on Sunday February 22 (3.10pm kick-off).
More to follow…
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