"When Andy Farrell warned that this was the best Italian team to come to Dublin, the Ireland head coach wasn't just paying lip service to the visitors. It was recognition that his side were about to face a major test - and so it proved."
"A week after calling out Ireland's lack of intent in Paris, Ireland improved in that regard, but their lack of accuracy meant this scrappy win did not deliver the response Farrell had demanded."
"Ireland 20 Italy 13"
Ireland defeated Italy 20-13 in Dublin. The Italian side presented a major test for Ireland. Ireland showed improved attacking intent compared with the Paris performance. Persistent inaccuracy and poor execution undermined Ireland's play. The victory was scrappy rather than convincing. The win did not provide the clear, dominant response that had been expected. The match exposed precision issues despite better intent. The result remained a narrow success rather than a commanding performance.
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