Ahead of their clash at the RDS Arena, Dublin, kicking off at 3pm this Sunday, it’s worth looking back on the last time Ireland played Italy in the Women’s Six Nations.
That edition took place on the 15th of April 2023 at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy, and while Ireland lost 24-7 on that occasion, they'll be hoping for a different result this weekend.
From the sheer toughness to the downright strength, here’s some of our favourite Sportsfile snaps from that outing.
In pictures : the last time Ireland played Italy in the Women’s Six Nations
Gritty Anna McGann
15 April 2023; Anna McGann of Ireland in action against Beatrice Rigoni, left, and Francesca Sgorbini of Italy during the Tik Tok Womens Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile
Determined Djougang
15 April 2023; Linda Djougang of Ireland is tackled by Michela Sillari of Italy during the Tik Tok Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile.
Magnificent Monaghan
15 April 2023; Sam Monaghan of Ireland in action against Alyssa D'Incà of Italy during the Tik Tok Womens Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile.
Former head coach McWilliams preps for the clash
15 April 2023; Ireland head coach Greg McWilliams before the Tik Tok Womens Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile.
Loud and proud - Ireland sing the national anthem before the game
15 April 2023; Ireland players stand for the playing of the national anthem before the Tik Tok Womens Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile.
Time to regroup
15 April 2023; Dejected Ireland players after Italy scored a try during the Tik Tok Womens Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile.
Fryday on the up
15 April 2023; Nichola Fryday of Ireland competes for the ball in a line out during the Tik Tok Womens Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile
Nic A Bháird powers through
15 April 2023; Deirbhile Nic A Bháird of Ireland is tackled Vittoria Vecchini and Beatrice Rigoni of Italy during the Tik Tok Womens Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile.
Hughes hones in on the try line
15 April 2023; Ailsa Hughes of Ireland in action against Beatrice Rigoni of Italy during the Tik Tok Womens Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile
Daring Dalton
15 April 2023; Aoife Dalton of Ireland in action against Varonica Madia of Italy during the Tik Tok Womens Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile
