Italy v Ireland: Score and Six Nations latest
1:51PM
Irish fans out in force
I swear, the first words heard getting out of a taxi near the ground on arriving near the Stadio Olimpico were 'it's like a f------ invasion'.
It's a good point - thousands upon thousands of Irish fans are in town for this one, green shirts as far as you can see. Conditions are muggy, hopefully the thunderstorms hold off.
1:49PM
Italy strong in the tackle
The Azzurri have made the most dominant tackles (66) and the joint-most turnover-winning tackles (12, level with Wales) of any team in this year's championship.
Meanwhile, Simon Easterby's side rank bottom for dominant tackles (33) and turnover-winning tackles (7).
1:47PM
Head to head
Ireland have dominated this fixture, winning 24 of their 25 Six Nations games against Italy.
Italy's only triumph came in 2013 as they beat Ireland 22-15 in Rome, meaning they finished fourth in the table, ahead of Ireland in fifth.
Their 36-0 defeat in Dublin last year was the first time they have been whitewashed by Ireland.
1:43PM
Quesada on dropping his captain
Italy head coach Goncalo Quesada on dropping captain Michele Lamaro: 'Manuel Zuliani deserved the opportunity from the first minute and at the same time we want to have greater leadership on the pitch in the final stages of the game.
'The match develops over 80 minutes and the contribution of all the players on the match list will be fundamental.'
1:39PM
Got a question for James Haskell and Mike Tindall?
Ask it here and come back on Monday lunchtime for the answer.
1:37PM
Easterby on Crowley selection
On selecting Jack Crowley at 10 and links with a move to Leicester Tigers, Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby: 'Jack knows how important he is to us. Regardless of selection across the last four games, he understands the role that he has and the standing he has in the group.
'He's a great pro, he's always looking to get better and we believe that for him to keep getting better, keeping getting experiences at this level and keep driving us forward as a team and being competitive in the number 10 position in particular, it's important that he obviously plays his rugby in Ireland.
'And we are confident that will continue to happen.'
1:33PM
Elsewhere on Super Saturday
Shortly after the action concludes in Rome, England will stake their claim for the title as they travel to the Principality to face a Wales side looking for their first Test win in 17 games and their first Six Nations triumph in 11.
Following this, current leaders France will look to wrap up the title as they host Scotland in Paris, knowing now a bonus-point victory will guarantee them top spot.
1:29PM
The scene in Rome
1:27PM
Campaigns so far
Italy's only victory of this year's Six Nations came on the second weekend of action when they beat Wales 22-15 in Rome.
This came after a 31-19 defeat away against Scotland on the opening weekend and has been followed by heavier defeats against France and England.
Ireland, meanwhile, looked on course for a third successive title and a potential Grand Slam as they picked up the Triple Crown with hard-fought wins over England, Scotland and Wales to start their campaign.
However, a 42-27 defeat at home to France last time out destroyed any hopes of a Grand Slam and has seen them slip from pole position in the race for the title.
1:24PM
Ireland in the building
Checked in! 👋 #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/B1TDig8QSb
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 15, 2025
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