Italy get a drive going from the kickoff

Sexton gets the match underway for Ireland

Ireland have won their last nine meetings with Italy, dating back to a 22-15 loss at the Stadio Olimpico on 16 March, 2013

Head to head:
Played 31 – Ireland leads 27-4
Points for: Ireland 1,074 / Italy 468
Average score: Ireland 34-15 Italy

Garbisi, Mori and Gianmarco Lucchesi all played for Italy in the U20 Six Nations earlier this year, with Garbisi captaining the Azzurrini in three matches

Paolo Garbisi will become Italy’s 50th U20 Championship graduate having been named at fly-half with another set to join him with Federico Mori named on the bench

Ireland have 10 players in their starting line-up that have come through the World Rugby U20 Championship pathway, plus four on the bench

Anthems concluded and kickoff is just moments away

Keenan and Byrne are in line to join Ireland’s tally of 52 World Rugby U20 Championship graduates

Ireland have named four uncapped players in their squad: Will Connors and Hugo Keenan will start with Ed Byrne and Jamison Gibson-Park on the bench