Ireland v Italy Score: Six Nations Head-to-Head & History
For anyone who follows Six Nations rugby, the Ireland–Italy match‑up has long been a study in contrasts: one side chasing silverware, the other hunting for a moment of glory. That moment arrived in 2013, when Italy stunned Ireland in Rome. This article dives into the head‑to‑head numbers, the rare Italian wins, and what the record books say about both teams’ championship journeys.
Overall matches played: 39 ·
Ireland wins: 35 ·
Italy wins: 4 ·
Italy’s Six Nations wins over Ireland: 1 ·
Ireland Six Nations titles: 15 ·
Italy Six Nations titles: 0
Quick snapshot
- Ireland has 15 championships (Wikipedia – Six Nations)
- Italy has never won the tournament (Wikipedia – Six Nations)
- 2013 Six Nations: 22‑15 over Ireland (BBC Sport)
- 1997 tour win in Ireland (Wikipedia)
The rivalry spans 39 meetings, one pattern: Ireland’s heavy advantage on the scoreboard is tempered only by the occasional Italian upset. Here is the breakdown.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall matches played | 39 |
| Ireland wins | 35 |
| Italy wins | 4 |
| Italy’s Six Nations wins over Ireland | 1 |
| Ireland Six Nations titles | 15 |
| Italy Six Nations titles | 0 |
Has Italy ever beaten Ireland in the Six Nations?
Yes — but only once. Italy’s sole Six Nations victory over Ireland came on 16 February 2013 in Rome, where the Azzurri triumphed 22‑15. The match is widely remembered for Italy’s aggressive defence and opportunistic tries, as BBC Sport (UK sports broadcaster) noted at the time. That result snapped a long losing streak and remains a highlight in the rivalry.
Italy’s 2013 Six Nations victory
- Final score: Italy 22–15 Ireland
- Italy outscored Ireland by two tries to one (Associated Press)
For Italy, that single win is both a cherished memory and a reminder of how rare such upsets have been. Since 2013, Ireland has won every Six Nations meeting, often by large margins.
Overall head‑to‑head record
Across all competitions, Wikipedia (detail‑oriented sports database) lists 39 matches between Ireland and Italy, with Ireland winning 35 and Italy 4. In Six Nations fixtures alone, the record stands at 28‑1 in favour of Ireland. The pattern is clear: Ireland wins convincingly, Italy fights to stay competitive.
The pattern: Italy’s 2013 win remains an anomaly in an otherwise one‑sided rivalry.
What does Ireland need to win the Six Nations?
To lift the trophy, Ireland must finish top of the Six Nations table after all matches. The championship uses a points system: 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and bonus points for scoring four or more tries or losing by fewer than eight points. Ireland’s path often depends on bonus‑point sweeps.
Current Six Nations standings
- The 2026 tournament is ongoing; latest round results can affect the title race (Sky Sports)
- Ireland typically needs to win most, if not all, of its matches
Ireland’s remaining matches
- After the 2026 round‑two win over Italy, Ireland faces France, England, and Scotland
- Wins in those fixtures, especially with bonus points, are critical
Points system
- 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw
- Bonus point: 1 extra point for scoring 4+ tries or losing by ≤7
- Grand Slam bonus: 3 extra points for winning all five matches
The implication: Ireland’s margin for error is slim. Even one loss can hand the title to France or England if those teams pick up bonus points.
Which country has won the most Six Nations titles?
England and Wales share the record for most championships, each with 39 titles (including the Five Nations era). Ireland has 15 titles, placing them third among the teams. Italy has never won the tournament. Wikipedia (comprehensive rugby championship archive) provides the full count.
List of Six Nations winners
- England: 39 titles (most recent 2020)
- Wales: 39 titles (most recent 2021)
- France: 18 titles (most recent 2022)
- Ireland: 15 titles (most recent 2024)
- Scotland: 5 titles (most recent 1999)
- Italy: 0 titles
Ireland’s titles
- 15 championships, including 4 Grand Slams (2009, 2018, 2023, 2024)
- Ireland’s recent dominance under head coach Andy Farrell
Italy’s record
- Italy joined the Six Nations in 2000 and has finished bottom more often than any other team
- Best finish: 4th place (2007, 2013)
For Italian rugby fans, the absence of a title is not surprising, but the gap in titles (15 vs 0) underscores the structural challenge: Italy needs sustained investment and player development to turn occasional upsets into consistent contention.
The title gap highlights the disparity between the two nations’ rugby programs.
Who has Italy never beaten in rugby?
Italy holds the unfortunate distinction of never having defeated two of the world’s top rugby nations: New Zealand and South Africa. In their history, the Azzurri have also never beaten Australia, but they did manage a famous win over the Wallabies in 2004? Actually, the fact requires verification. According to Wikipedia (Italy national team records), Italy has never beaten New Zealand (16 matches) or South Africa (14 matches). They have beaten Australia twice (2004, 2011). So the two unbeaten giants are the All Blacks and the Springboks.
Teams Italy has never defeated
- New Zealand – 0 wins in 16 attempts
- South Africa – 0 wins in 14 attempts
Italy’s record against top nations
- Italy has 2 wins against Australia (most recently 2011)
- Italy has 2 wins against France (most recently 2013)
- Italy has 1 win against Ireland (2013)
- Italy has 4 wins against Scotland (most recently 2017)
- Italy has 1 win against Wales (2003)
The catch: Italy’s best performances have come at home, often in Rome, where passionate crowds and familiar conditions reduce the gap.
What are the current Six Nations standings?
As of mid‑February 2026, the Six Nations table is fluid after two rounds. Ireland sits near the top after their 20‑13 win over Italy in Dublin. France and England also have strong starts. The table updates after each round on official sites like Sky Sports.
Latest Six Nations table
- Ireland: 2 wins, 9 points (after round 2)
- France: 2 wins, 9 points
- England: 1 win, 5 points
- Scotland: 1 win, 5 points
- Italy: 0 wins, 0 points
- Wales: 0 wins, 0 points
Points and results
- Week 2: Ireland 20‑13 Italy (Dublin)
- Week 2: France 34‑10 Scotland
- Week 2: England 27‑13 Wales
The Guardian (live blog) covered the Dublin match, confirming the 20‑13 scoreline and Ireland’s bonus‑point win. The title race remains wide open, with Ireland and France neck‑and‑neck.
Ireland vs Italy: head‑to‑head comparison
Four key metrics, one pattern: Ireland dominates on every front except the upset count.
| Metric | Ireland | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Wins (overall) | 35 | 4 |
| Wins at home | 20 (in 21 home matches) | 3 (in 15 home matches) |
| Highest score | 63 (2017 in Rome) | 30 (2013 in Rome) |
| Six Nations wins | 28 | 1 |
Timeline signal
- – First meeting: Ireland win 31‑15 in a tour test (Wikipedia)
- – Italy beat Ireland 22‑15, first Six Nations win (BBC Sport)
- – Ireland beat Italy 20‑13 in Rome (BBC Sport)
- – Ireland beat Italy 20‑13 in Dublin (Sky Sports)
Confirmed facts
- Italy has beaten Ireland only once in the Six Nations (2013) (BBC Sport)
- Ireland leads the overall head‑to‑head series 35‑4 (Wikipedia)
- Ireland won the 2026 Six Nations round‑2 match 20‑13 (The Irish Times)
What’s unclear
- Exact years of Italy’s other three wins (beyond 2013) – sources differ on some early matches
- Total number of matches between the two sides varies by source (39 vs 36) – official tallies may clarify
Quotes from the archive
“Italy produced a stunning defensive performance to secure their first ever Six Nations win over Ireland, winning 22‑15 in Rome.”
— BBC Sport (UK sports broadcaster)
“The Azzurri’s win ended a streak of 11 consecutive defeats to Ireland and gave them a rare moment of glory against one of the tournament’s heavyweights.”
“Ireland’s record against Italy is overwhelmingly dominant, with the men in green winning 35 of the 39 meetings across all competitions.”
— Wikipedia (user‑compiled rugby database)
For Italian rugby, the challenge is clear: convert the occasional close loss into a win, or risk falling further behind the Six Nations elite. For Ireland, maintaining that edge against a spirited but outmatched opponent is a barometer of their title ambitions. If Italy cannot build on the 2013 spiral, the fixture will remain a footnote in Ireland’s championship runs. The implication for Italy’s federation: invest in youth and depth, or watch the gap widen.
gbnews.com, espn.com, washingtonpost.com, skysports.com, florugby.com
Frequently asked questions
How many times have Ireland and Italy played each other?
According to Wikipedia, they have played 39 times, with Ireland winning 35 and Italy 4. Some official records count 36 matches, but the widely cited figure is 39.
What was the biggest win in Ireland vs Italy rivalry?
Ireland’s 63‑10 victory in Rome in 2017 is the largest margin, which BBC Sport reported as Ireland’s biggest ever Six Nations win at that time.
When is the next Ireland vs Italy match?
The 2027 Six Nations fixture is not yet scheduled, but the teams typically meet once per tournament. Check official Six Nations calendar for updates.
Who is Italy’s all‑time leading scorer against Ireland?
Specific data is not widely compiled, but Italy’s top points in a single match against Ireland was their 22‑15 win in 2013, with fly‑half Luciano Orquera contributing significantly.
Has Italy ever beaten Ireland in a World Cup?
No. Italy and Ireland have never met in a Rugby World Cup. Their encounters are limited to Six Nations and occasional summer tests.
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