Summary

  • Italy 17-22 Ireland (Result)

  • Ireland keep title hopes alive with bonus-point win in Rome, need results elsewhere to go their way

  • Dan Sheehan scores hat-trick for Ireland with Hugo Keenan also crossing

  • Hosts had taken lead in 12th minute through Monty Ioane try

  • Michele Lamaro and Giacomo Nicotera yellow carded for Italy; Ross Vintcent shown 20-minute red

Live Reporting

Andy Gray

  1. Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Ireland are looking to chip away at the 22 but this Italian defence is ferocious!

    Four to go!

  2. Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Five to go in Rome.

    We've a stoppage in play, and James Lowe is using the break to have a friendly chat with touch judge Morne Ferriera about that decision.

    Ireland have the scrum just inside the Italian half.

    Can they finish this one off?

  3. 'Mack Hansen has been Ireland's shining light'

    Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Chris Henry
    Former Ulster & Ireland flanker on BBC Radio Ulster

    Mack Hansen has been the shining light for Ireland today.

    He has carried well, fielded the ball and looked really lively.

    Italy's dangermen have been Brex and Menoncello who have been punching holes in Ireland's defence in midfield.

    They need to keep getting the ball to them because Ireland struggling to contain the centre pairing.

    Mack HansenGetty Images

  4. No try

    Italy 17-22 Ireland

    It's not going to count. I'm not sure about that one, I think Lowe managed to keep his foot in play.

    Lowe isn't a happy bunny either.

    Anyway, Ireland have it again in the Italian 22 with six to play.

  5. Try review

    Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Ireland think they are over again as James Lowe beats two men on the left and threw the ball back in play, and Hugo Keenan is there to score.

    The official think he put his foot in touch, but boy oh boy this is close.

    Luke Pearce's on field decision was no try, but we'll have a look.

    Luke PearceGetty Images

  6. Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Right, nine to go and this one is n the balance.

    Will there be a final twist?

  7. Replacement

    Italy 17-22 Ireland

    From the experience to the youth, Gus McCarthy comes to for the try-scoring machine that is Dan Sheehan.

    McCarthy made a big impact in the autumn and this is his second cameo of this Six Nations after getting a few minutes off the bench against Wales in Cardiff.

    Dan SheehanGetty Images

  8. Italy 17-22 Ireland

    On the whole, Italy's defence has been superb today and they force a knock on after more Irish pressure.

    This is going to be a nervy final 10 minutes in Rome, and the Italians are returned to 15 players as Giacomo Nocotera is on for the red carded Ross VIntcent.

  9. 'An injection of life for Italy'

    Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Chris Henry
    Former Ulster & Ireland flanker on BBC Radio Ulster

    A well-taken try for Italy gives them an injection of life.

    Things look a bit precarious now for Ireland with only five points in it.

    Italy have enough speed and creativity in their backline to create chances from nothing and that's what they've done.

    Ireland's big players need to step up now and see the game out because the momentum has swung in Italy's direction.

    They are making metres with every carry which is worrying for Ireland.

  10. Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Another huge cheer as Conor Murray comes on for the 125th and final time for Ireland.

    Along with O'Mahony and Cian Healy, he's another departing legend.

    There's a job to do here for the final 13 minutes, however.

  11. Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Ireland win the ball off the throw and it's sent downfield.

    Allan does really well to gather it and wait for support, and Varney clears up to the edge of the 22.

  12. Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Sam Prendergast and Jack Boyle are on for Ireland.

    Italy feel they can get something here as Varney's kick forces Hugo Keenan to run the ball into touch just outside the Irish 22.

    Hugo KeenanGetty Images
  13. try

    Converted Try - Italy 17-22 Ireland

    Stephen Varney (con Allan)

    It's part brilliance, part awful - but Italy have a try back!

    The brilliance comes from Ange Capuozzo, who beats his man out wide and chips the ball forward.

    Mack Hansen races in to try and gather the ball, but it bounces over his head and Stephen Varney is there to touch down.

    Varney will get the credit, but that's all about Capuozzo.

    Allan nails the conversion, and Italy are right back in this one!

  14. 'Sheehan showing an eye for the try-line'

    Italy 10-22 Ireland

    Chris Henry
    Former Ulster & Ireland flanker on BBC Radio Ulster

    Sheehan will be delighted with that try - he has his hat-trick and Ireland have a bonus point.

    Gibson-Park has done a brilliant job there and a great combination from Mack Hansen to knock it down to Dan Sheehan on the wing.

    Jack Crowley's attempt at a conversion has sailed wide and it has been an issue for them in this game.

    Ireland need a reliable goal-kicker because they should be out of sight by now.

  15. Italy 10-22 Ireland

    You'll not be surprised to hear that Dan Sheehan has scored the most tries by a forward in Six Nations history.

    Is he a dead-cert to start for the British and Irish Lions in the summer?

    Dan SheehanGetty Images

  16. Italy 10-22 Ireland

    The Irish support are really enjoying themselves now in Rome.

    As are the team, who have been dominating ever since the moment they went a man up.

  17. Italy 10-22 Ireland

    Just 20 minutes remain for Ireland and Italy in this year's Six Nations.

  18. Italy 10-22 Ireland

    As my colleague Jonathan Bradley just pointed out, that was a carbon copy of Jamie Osborne's try against Wales. Just on the other side of the pitch.

    It seemed right out of the playbook, and the smile from Simon Easterby would suggest that's the case.

  19. Italy 10-22 Ireland

    Matt Gault
    BBC Sport NI at Stadio Olimpico

    The aforementioned Italian journalist beside me even applauded that one.

    Lovely stuff.

  20. try

    Try - Italy 10-22 Ireland

    Dan Sheehan

    HAT-TRICK FOR SHEEHAN! HE CAN DO NO WRONG!

    It's lovely from Ireland as Mack Hansen touches back Jamison Gibson-Park's inch-perfect kick to the touchline, and Sheehan is there to gather the ball and cross for the third time this afternoon.

    It's been a game to forget from the tee for Crowley, who sends another effort wide.

    Mack HansenGetty Images