Italy vs Ireland Six Nations prediction, odds and betting tips

talkSPORT

25 February 2023

Italy vs Ireland Six Nations prediction, odds and betting tips

Ireland will want to keep their Grand Slam dreams alive when they visit the Stadio Olimpico this Saturday afternoon.

On paper, a clash between world number one Ireland and perennial losers Italy is a foregone conclusion, but after panicking against France in the opening game of the Championship, can Italy put on a similar performance on Saturday afternoon? The odds don’t seem to think so. Let’s take a look at what the bookies think will happen when the two sides meet.

Italy vs Ireland odds

Here are the latest match odds for Italy vs Ireland from bet365.

Ireland: 1/50
Tie: 50
Italy: 14/1

Best bookies to bet on Italy vs Ireland

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Italy vs Ireland prediction

Ireland has lived up to their pre-tournament favourite status so far, with dominant performances against Wales and France in their opening two games. However, Andy Farrell will want to make sure his team keeps their feet on the ground and will not underestimate the Italians on Saturday. The Irish are favoured heavily at 1/50, odds that suggest this game is a foregone conclusion.

The Azzurri has lost its opening two games but will be buoyed by a strong opening-day performance against reigning champions France. The team was able to exploit France’s lack of discipline in the game, but it seems unlikely the Irish will give them the same luxury. The Italians are huge outsiders at 14.

While Italian fans will have a tiny bit of optimism based on their first home outing, the odds are seriously stacked against them. Ireland decimated Italy in last year’s Six Nations, picking up a 57-6 victory in Dublin. There is a very strong chance the result will end up being just as dominant this weekend.

Italy vs Ireland betting tips

Here are my best bets for Italy vs Ireland this weekend.

Ireland – Handicap -22 at Evens

One of Italy’s most famous Six Nations upsets came when they defeated Ireland at the Stadio Olimpico in 2013. In the nine encounters since then, Ireland has comfortably defeated the Italians, and they will expect to make it 10/10 this weekend. Last year’s encounter between the two sides ended 57-6 to Ireland, while their last encounter in Rome ended 10-48 to the visitors. You can expect more of the same this week, with an Ireland -22 handicap being available at evens with bet365.

Hugo Keenan – Anytime try scorer at 11/8

If there is one thing that is wise to bet on with an Italian game, it is a lot of points being scored. The total points in their games have fallen Hugo Keenan has been one of Ireland’s stand-out players so far this Championship. The Leinster full-back put in a man-of-the-match performance against Wales on the opening weekend and followed that up with the opening try against France in Dublin. Keenan will see the game against the Italians as the perfect opportunity to build on that score, and given the Italian’s poor defensive record, he is worth a punt at 11/8 with bet365.

Total Points 48-68 at 10/11

Italy’s Six Nations games have a habit of being a high-scoring affair, and given Ireland’s dominance coming into this encounter, you can expect more of the same this weekend. Italy has already shipped 60 points in their opening two games, and Ireland will want to continue to add to that punishment. In a game that has the potential to be very one-sided, a total points bet could be the best way forward.

How to watch Italy vs Ireland

Location: Stadio Olimpico
Date and Time: February 25th, 17:45
How to watch: BBC One

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