The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will play host to an exciting Guinness Summer Series matchup between Irish Rugby team and Italy Rugby Union in a game that will also serve as a Rugby World Cup 2019 warm-up game on the 10th of August 2019. This will be the second meeting this year between these two sides with the first meeting coming in the 2019 Six Nations Tournament. Ireland finished 3rd behind England and Wales while the Azzurri finished last and without a point. This game gives each side a good platform to sharpen things up with the World Cup less than 8 weeks away.

Most Recent Match

These two sides met earlier this year in Rome for the 6 Nations Tournament with the Irish side avoiding an upset and coming from behind to defeat the Azzurri 16-26. Roux and Stockdale scored first half tries for Ireland and Italy responded via Padovani and Morisi. Tommaso Allan scored two penalties for Italy giving them a 16-12 first half lead. Ireland came back stronger and they scored two tries via Earl and Murray at the same time not conceding a point against Italy for a bonus point win.

Ireland vs Italy Rugby Italy tour 2019 Kickoff Time, Dates, Venue, What Channel live streaming Online Game

Head to Head

Since first meeting in 1988, Ireland and Italy have played in a total of 30 test matches. Ireland has a superior head-to-head record over the Azzurri having won 26 of those games with Italy only managing to win in 4 occasions. Of the 4 wins, three came in the late ‘90s and the other one coming in 2013. In Ireland, these two teams have played 15 times with the Irish side winning 14 and losing once to Italy. Italy’s most recent visit to Ireland saw them fall to a 56-19 defeat.

Players to Watch

Leinster lock James Ryan had a very good season for club and country. It will be fascinating to watch if he continues with his good run of form into this warm-up games. Another important player for the Irish side is veteran Cian Healy and the duo will be influential in determining the result of this game.

Italy will be banking on their most capped player and current captain, Sergio Parisse, to help the team stick together when they line up against a team that’s 3rd in World Rugby Rankings. Equally, Tommaso Allan and Michele Champagnaro will need to be at their brilliant best if the Azzurri are to cause an upset in Dublin.

Game Prediction

Ireland comes into this game having won 8 out of 10 of the previous matches. They lost to Wales in their most recent outing and had lost to England 4 weeks earlier. However, they made a statement of their own by beating the reigning world champions, New Zealand and also beating USA 57-14. Italy on the other hand comes into this game having lost 5 games in the Six Nations tournament and finishing bottom of the table. They have also managed to win twice in the past 10 outings and are winless in the past 7 straight matches.

Large stake on Ireland to Win