Italy player ratings vs Ireland: 2025 Six Nations

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Ireland held off a determined Italy to claim a bonus-point victory in Rome, keeping their hopes of a third consecutive Six Nations title alive.

Hugo Keenan’s first-half try and a hat-trick from Dan Sheehan powered Ireland to a crucial win, taking them to 19 points—three clear of France and four ahead of England.

Italy showed flashes of brilliance, with Monty Ioane and Stephen Varney crossing for tries, but costly discipline issues proved their downfall. Michele Lamaro saw yellow just before halftime, while Ross Vintcent’s second-half red card for a high tackle on Keenan left Italy with an uphill battle.

Despite Varney’s try cutting the deficit to 22-17, Ireland held firm under late pressure to deny the hosts a famous upset.

1. Danilo Fischetti – 5
Conceded a couple of silly penalties but gave his all as usual.

2. Gianmarco Lucchesi – 6.5
Forced to go the length, finishing on the flank. Solid set piece and got through a mountain of work.

3. Simone Ferrari – 5
Worked hard but had little impact overall.

4. Dino Lamb – N/A
Back from injury but only lasted 18 minutes before receiving another.

5. Federico Ruzza – 5
Lots of effort but not enough grunt.

6. Seb Negri – 6
Started with his usual oomph but only lasted half an hour.

7. Manuel Zuliani – 7.5
Got his chance to start and was Italy's pick of the forwards.

8. Lorenzo Cannone – 6
Another who started brightly before picking up an injury on the half-hour.

9. Martin Page-Relo – 8
Restored to the starting lineup. Sharp and quick service with plenty of sniping in his 45 minutes.

10. Paolo Garbisi – 7
Better than his recent performances. Will be better next time he puts on the jersey.

11. Monty Ioane – 6.5
Opened the scoring and put himself about in defence.

12. Tommaso Menoncello – 9
Best current 12 in world rugby?

13. Ignacio Brex – 7
Captain from the off, played with his usual vigour.

14. Ange Capuozzo – 8
Mr Magic delivered again to gift Varney his try.

15. Tommaso Allan – 7
Just doesn’t miss from the tee and kept Italy in it until the very end.

16. Giacomo Nicotera – 5
Killed Italy’s comeback in the final play with a dangerous ruck clearout.

20. Michele Lamaro – 4
Brainless yellow for the dropped skipper cost Italy two tries.

21. Ross Vintcent – 2
Brought initial spark before an upgraded yellow/red early in the second half.

22. Stephen Varney – 6
Brought some tempo, which helped Italy fight back. Scored from Capuozzo’s play.

23. Leonardo Marin – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.