Ireland will be looking to recover from their disappointing loss to France and keep their fading Six Nations title hopes alive when they face Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Italy v Ireland Tips
- Ireland -20.5 @ 10/11 with bet365
- Total Match Points – Over 63.5 @ 10/11 with bet365
- Ange Capuozzo anytime tryscorer @ 13/10 with bet365
Irish to Unleash Frustration
Ireland’s hopes of a third consecutive Six Nations title took a major hit last weekend with a 42-27 defeat to a fired-up French side in Dublin. Now sitting third in the table, Simon Easterby’s men need a big win in Rome and results elsewhere to go their way if they are to retain their crown.
The Irish will be desperate to bounce back and are likely to unleash their frustration on an Italian side that has struggled defensively in recent weeks. The Azzurri have conceded 120 points in their last two matches and could be in for another long afternoon against a motivated opponent.
While Italy have shown their usual brio under new coach Gonzalo Quesada, their defensive deficiencies have been exposed in the last two games and it is easy to envisage an Irish side looking to rack up points feasting on those frailties.
Four of Ireland’s last six wins over the Azzurri have come by more than 20 points, and a similar margin looks likely here.
- Italy v Ireland Tip 1: Ireland -20.5 @ 10/11 with bet365
Expect a High-Scoring Affair
Ireland will feel the need to chase a bonus-point victory and run up the score, so we could be in for a high-scoring encounter in Rome.
The Irish attack will be looking to cut loose after a frustrating outing against France last week.
Italy have also shown an ability to get on the scoreboard themselves, putting up 24 points in each of their last two defeats – against France and England.
The Azzurri are likely to adopt an expansive gameplan in front of their home fans, which could lead to opportunities on both sides.
And with Ireland averaging over 28 points per game this year and 43 across their last six clashes with Italy, it will be up to Quesada’s team to ensure this one passes the 63.5-point mark.
- Italy v Ireland Tip 2: Total Match Points – Over 63.5 @ 10/11 with bet365
Capuozzo to Cross the Whitewash
While Italy may struggle to contain Ireland’s attack, they have a dangerous weapon of their own in winger Ange Capuozzo. The 25-year-old possesses electrifying pace and evasive footwork that can trouble even the best defences.
Capuozzo demonstrated his try-scoring ability earlier in the tournament when he raced onto a clever kick to ground the ball at the corner against Wales.
With Italy likely to be chasing the game in the latter stages, Capuozzo could find himself on the end of an attacking move as the Azzurri look to finish their campaign with a flourish in front of the Roman crowd.
- Italy v Ireland Tip 3: Ange Capuozzo anytime tryscorer @ 13/10 with bet365
