Rob Baloucoune's second half try was the key difference in the scoreline, with the Ulster wing scoring on his Six Nations debut after a sublime assist from his Ulster teammate Stuart McCloskey.
There was also a Six Nations debut for Ulster forward, Cormac Izuchukwu, who impressed with his carrying and ability around the lineout, with an important steal in the second half to disrupt the Italians.
Tom O'Toole and Nick Timoney also came on as replacements to help impact the side and see out the victory.
Debut joy
Baloucoune marked his Guinness Men’s Six Nations debut with a silky 56th-minute try, made a line break and beat five defenders across his 80 minutes on the pitch, and had a 100% tackle success rate during what was a player-of-the-match performance.
His Championship bow has been a long time coming, with the Enniskillen man winning his most recent Ireland cap against Fiji back in November 2022. This season he signalled his intent with two tries for the Ireland XV against Spain, and six in seven appearances for Ulster.
Along with his scoring ability and speed, Farrell was pleased to see him show his aerial skills, particularly during the first half, and he was also defensively sound on the right wing, where he was able to keep close tabs on the experienced Monty Ioane.
"Delighted for Rob because we’ve obviously had (him in for) a few caps before, but it has been stop-start and it’s been frustrating for him,” said the Ireland head coach, speaking in the aftermath at the Aviva Stadium.
“The talent is there for everyone to see when he puts the Ulster jersey on. To get the opportunity now coming back into fitness and to show what he can do at this type of level is very pleasing for him and for the rest of us.
“To see him believing in himself and backing himself, not just beating people and scoring tries, but winning balls in the air. A very good defensive decision-maker as well."
Fellow debutant, Cormac Izuchukwu, also spoke about his first Championship start post-match and he revealed his delight at starring in the number six jersey for his country.
During his 59 minutes on the pitch, the 26-year-old made seven carries for 22.7 metres, contributed one line break and landed all six of his tackle attempts. He was Ireland’s main lineout jumper, managing five takes and also a crucial steal deep inside the Irish 22.
This was certainly a step up from his previous matches for Ireland, but he tried to approach it in just the same way, even if the magnitude of playing in the Six Nations only dawned on him in the days leading up to the second round encounter.
A big Championship Saturday at the home of Irish Rugby is always a massive occasion, and it came six months on from his most recent run-outs in green during the two summer Test victories over Georgia and Portugal.
“Yeah, it’s mental because for me, at the France game and stuff, it’s such a big stage and I had a taste of it sitting on the bench last week as the 24th (man). But then, you know, I treat every Ireland game just like an Ireland game.
“They’re all so special to me, whether it’s Portugal or Fiji or Georgia or whatever. They all mean the world to me, but I think I was blown away by the response from just social media, online, my family. It’s such a big deal to them, the Six Nations."
Ulster stalwart Stuart McCloskey was also singled out by Head Coach, Andy Farrell, for his influence in Ireland's attacking play.
McCloskey was Ireland’s leading ball carrier in the defeat against France in Paris and provided the assist for Nick Timoney’s try, and against Italy, his offloading and passing skills paved the way for Jamie Osborne and Baloucoune to run in scores at crucial stages.
Farrell commented: “Stu carried really well for us in parts last week, but there’s more to his game than that, and he knows there’s more to his game.
“He certainly addressed that this week as far as how he made others feel around the park as well with his ability to not just take the ball to the line, but to offload, and I thought it was a great line by Jamie, but Jamie knows who to follow because Stu’s so good at that.”
The highlight of the two assists against Italy was the Bangor man's inventive pass to Rob Baloucoune for his score, with a pass that wouldn't have looked out of place in NFL legend Tom Brady's highlight reel.
QB1? @NFL 👀 pic.twitter.com/rKvEdnBpf0
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) February 14, 2026
Ireland now prepare for their third test match of the Championship against England at Allianz Stadium Twickenham on Saturday 21st Febraury.