a close contest at the aviva saw ireland come from behind to win 20-13 over italy, with notable debuts, tactical changes and a historic refereeing milestone
At the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Ireland edged Italy 20-13 in a tense Six Nations encounter that mixed tight forward combat with a few game-changing moments.
The headline from the night wasn’t just the scoreline.
Hollie Davidson made history as the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations match, while a host of new faces — notably Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu — stepped into the international arena and left a mark.
How the game unfolded
Italy struck first, exploiting Irish indiscipline and capitalising on a yellow card to build an early advantage.
Scrum-half Craig Casey was sin-binned in the 32nd minute for a dangerous tackle, and from the resulting lineout drive Italy surged over for a try from hooker Giacomo Nicotera. Paolo Garbisi’s reliable boot added points from penalties and kept the visitors ahead at half-time, 10-5.
Ireland regrouped after the break. Andy Farrell’s early substitutions — including the experienced Tadhg Furlong — helped steady the platform of possession. Jack Conan finished a powerful maul to bring the hosts back into the contest, and later Robert Baloucoune produced a blistering run down the wing to score what proved to be the decisive try. Jack Crowley’s accurate kicking nudged Ireland further in front and, despite late pressure from Italy, the home side held on.
Turning points and key moments
– Indiscipline: Ireland’s yellow-card spells disrupted rhythm and handed Italy crucial field position. That lapse in discipline was costly but not decisive. – Baloucoune’s break: The Ulster wing’s individual score shifted momentum at a critical moment and ultimately settled a tight game. He was later named man of the match. – Garbisi’s boot: Paolo Garbisi kept Italy within striking distance all evening with calm, accurate kicking. – Defensive stand: In the final stages Italy camped on the Irish line and probed repeatedly, but an interception by James Lowe relieved immediate danger and sparked Ireland’s final clearance.
Debuts and squad notes
– Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu earned championship debuts; Baloucoune’s impact was immediate and decisive. – Edwin Edogbo came off the bench to win his first cap, a reward after a patient return from injury and solid club form. – Italy again showed the value of a powerful pack; Nicotera’s try came from sustained forward pressure and the Azzurri will take encouragement from their set-piece platform.
Officials and wider significance
Hollie Davidson’s appointment attracted global interest — not for novelty, but for the competence she displayed under intense scrutiny. Her performance added a historic subtext to an already compelling contest and sparked fresh conversation about refereeing pathways and representation at the top level.
What it means next
Ireland take a hard-fought home victory and a boost to squad confidence, but there are lessons to tidy up — particularly around discipline and staying composed under pressure. Italy leave with plenty to build on: a functioning forward platform and a kicker who can keep them in games.
Scoreline and scorers
Final score: Ireland 20, Italy 13. Ireland’s tries came from Jamie Osborne, Jack Conan and Robert Baloucoune, with Jack Crowley adding the kicking points. Italy’s scoring featured a try from Giacomo Nicotera and penalties from Paolo Garbisi.
Both sides will now turn their attention to the next round — coaches balancing continuity with the chance to keep blooding new talent as the tournament unfolds.
