More penalties than a Cup final shootout at the moment. Here's another chance for Ireland. Sexton goes for touch again.

This time it's a sloppy mistake from an Irish player. James Ryan is the guilty party. He fumbled the ball at the back of a maul and Ireland's opening has gone.

Garry Ringrose is off for a head injury assessment, by the way. He took a nasty blow a moment ago.

Italy really aren't helping themselves. The line-out breaks down again.

Ireland know they need to win with a bonus point today. As a result, Sexton turns down a kick for the posts, instead going for touch again.

More Italian frustrations. Initially it's good work from centre Carlo Canna who forces a mistake from Bundee Aki. But at the line-out that follows, Italy can't get the ball free.

Ah. Italy find themselves in a good position but waste it. They're penalised at the breakdown.

That has happened a fair bit in this strange season.

Just a penalty is the decision from the officials. I think that's fair. The Italian player was already falling as a result of a tackle before colliding with Aki. Italy have a chance to apply some pressure.

Conor Murray is back on the field but another Ireland player could be in trouble. The video ref is looking at a tackle from Bundee Aki. Has he tried to wrap his arm? I think so, just...

No mistake from in front of the posts from the Ireland skipper.

A fumble costs Ireland possession but at the resulting scrum the Italian pack falters. They're punished for collapsing by ref Matthew Carley.

This looks a certain three points for Sexton.

After a bit of possession around halfway, Italy are penalised for holding on when on the floor. Solid defence from Ireland.

Sexton kicks down the left flank again and Ireland have a decent position to look for a second try.

Not a bad start after seven months away!

Ireland are within a metre and have an advantage...

A penalty comes for Ireland and skipper Johnny Sexton kicks for touch rather than the posts...

So it's a shaky start for Ireland with Conor Murray off the field. The yellow card was for not releasing after the tackle to stop that break. He was within a few yards of his own try-line so felt he had to make the foul.

Ireland are hunting now though...

An easy start for Italy's fly-half on debut. Italy lead!

Hello!

Jake Polledri makes a break in mid-field and Italy are away. The number eight is charging before the line before being hauled down.

The referee isn't happy. It's a penalty and a yellow card for Conor Murray!

Ireland are piling the pressure on early with Italy attempting to play out from the back. It's an early tester for the men in blue after the long break.

Eventually the kick does come and Jacob Stockdale takes the ball while in touch.

It's an Italy line out.

After 230 days the Six Nations is back under way.

Johnny Sexton hoofs downfield to get us started.