Six nations archrivals, Ireland and Italy, will clash in an autumn test classic on this November in Chicago. The Soldier Field has been an awesome pitch for the Irish nationals with their last match there being a win over the indomitable Kiwis. The World Number 2 will be looking to start their final November Tests with a win ahead of the Rugby WC later next year. Italy will be hoping for a consistent performance in the final autumn tests before the Rugby World Cup later next year. The Azzuris had mixed fortunes in summer where they lost and won once against the Brave Blossoms in Oita. Here we move on with Ireland vs Italy Rugby Chicago Autumn Internationals Game Preview, Prediction.

How to Watch Italy vs Irish Rugby Live Autumn Internationals 2018 Game Schedule, Kickoff Time,

Ireland vs Italy Rugby Chicago meeting will be their first clash in a neutral venue. Let’s have look at the schedule of both sides autumn internationals week 1 game.

  • What: Italy vs Ireland Rugby Autumn Internationals 2018 Week 1 Game
  • When: Saturday, 03rd November 2018
  • Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
  • Kickoff: 22:00 GMT
  • How to Watch: Channel 4, Sky Sports
  • Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
  • Assistant Referees: Romain Poite (France), Alexandre Ruiz (France)
  • Television Match Official (TMO): David Ardrey (USA)

What is the Irish Rugby Line-Up vs Azzuris?

Bundee, T. Beirne, R. Best, R. Byrne, J. Carbery, J. Conan, A. Conway, J. Cooney, S. Cronin, K. Earls, S. Easterby, A. Farell, T. Furlong, C. Healy, I. Henderson, R. Henshaw, R. Herring, R. Kearney, D. Kilcoyne, J. Larmour, D. Leavy, K. Marmion, J. McGrath, J. Murphy, C. Murray, P. O’Mahony, A.Porter, G. Ringrose, Quinn Roux, J. Ryan, James Ryan, N. Scannell, J. Sexton, CJ Stander, J. Stockdale, and D. Toner.

Irish Rugby Last Match

In their Previous match, Ireland Rugby defeated the Wallabies by 20 points to 16 at the AAMI Park. The game only saw one try a piece for both teams with the Irish visitors winning from penalty conversions. Marika Koroibete scored for the Aussies while CJ Stander grabbed the only try for Ireland. Bernard Foley converted for the Aussies and added three more penalties while Jonathan Sexton put five penalties over for the visitors.

What Happened in the Previous Game of Italy Rugby

Italy Rugby, in their previous match against Japan, they scored three tries and conceded three before proceeding to win via infield penalty kicks. Tupou, Mafi, and Matsushima crossed the line for the Brave Blossoms with Matsuda converting two tries while Tamura scored a penalty. On the other hand, Polledri, Ghiraldini, and Benvenuti scored tries for the Azzuris while Tommaso Allan converted twice and scored two penalties, with the extra penalty being the match winner.

The Azzurri’s Squad to face the Irish Lads in Chicago

Conor O’Shea formed squad for Ireland vs Italy Rugby Chicago clash of his side. The line up is as follows.

Tommaso, M. Bellini, T. Benvenuti, G. Biagi, L. Bigi, G. Bisegni, T. Boni, D. Budd, M. Champagnaro, C. Canna, T. Castello, O. Fabiani, S. P. Ferrari, M. Fuser, L. Ghiraldini, R. Giammarioli, E. Gori, J. Hayward, G. Licata, A. Lovotti, M. Mbanda, I. McKinley, M. Minozzi, S. Negri, E. Padovani, G. Palazanni, S. Parisse, T. Pasquali, J. Polledri, N. Quaglio, M. Riccioni, F. Ruzza, B. Steyn, T. Tebaldi, C. Traore, M. Violi, A. Zanni, and G. Zilocchi.

Key Players of Ireland vs Italy Rugby Chicago Matchup

Italy Rugby: After making his debut in the loss to Japan in the Summer, Zilocchi will be looking to inject more dynamism to the Azzuris when they clash with one of the best teams in the world. Veteran Sergio Parisse also makes the squad and the Azzuris will fancy their chances with the star number 8 in their ranks.

Irish Rugby: The Irish side has a strong spine in Leinster players and they will be influential in this year’s autumn tests. The most noteworthy are the Pacey Furlong, McGrath, James Ryan, and Jack Conan.

Ireland vs Italy Rugby Chicago Autumn Internationals Game Prediction

Since November 2017, Italy has won only twice, against Fiji and Japan. Ireland has won five out of six previous games with their only loss being against Australia in June. The two teams have played each other a combined 28 times with the Irish side dominating by 24 wins. The Irish side is generally too strong for the Azzurri and they have proven that over a number of occasions. It won’t be any different in November even with the anticipated large Italian fanbase in Chicago. So, we keep the Irish lads ahead and expect Ireland to WIN 53-22.

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