<p>Entering this game, the Italians may have some confidence that they can get a result, having defeated Scotland 18-15 in surprising fashion at home last time out.</p> <p>In contrast, Ireland will be looking to get their 2026 Six Nations campaign started after being beaten 36-14 by France. Still, Italy don't travel to the Emerald Isle all that well.</p> <p>Read on for our Ireland vs Italy betting predictions for this <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-union/the-six-nations">Six Nations</a> contest…</p> <h2>Quick Picks</h2> <p><strong>Our pick: </strong>Ireland to win</p> <p><strong>Value bet:</strong> Total Ireland points market at under 36.5</p> <p><strong>Long shot: </strong>'49-55' points range</p> <h2>Betting Preview</h2> <p>Italy's last win against Ireland was in 2013. However, that came at home. When playing away, Italy have never beaten Ireland in a Six Nations match played in Ireland.</p> <p>That doesn't make for compelling reading, but Italy are entering a new phase of rugby. Their 33-man squad features a young core and a couple of uncapped players, as they focus on development and competitiveness.</p> <p>Still, Ireland are among the best in world rugby, and their dominance over their European counterparts over the years is almost ridiculous. Ireland has won all 15 Six Nations encounters on home soil against Italy, often by large margins. Over these games, the point margin of victory has been around ~30 points.</p> <p>For a better picture of what to expect, the last five results have occurred:</p> <ul> <li>Mar 2025: Italy 17-22 Ireland</li> <li>Feb 2024: Ireland 36-0 Italy</li> <li>Feb 2023: Italy 20-34 Ireland</li> <li>Feb 2022: Ireland 57-6 Italy</li> <li>Feb 2021: Italy 10-48 Ireland</li> </ul> <p>In three of the last five games, Ireland have managed to win by more than 36 points.</p> <h2>Betting Markets to Watch</h2> <p>Unsurprisingly, Ireland are the big favourites to win in the moneyline bet. You could argue that there isn't any value in this one because of Italy's poor form in Ireland and the host's dominance.</p> <p>So, when looking for betting value, we think there are other markets worth exploring. One example is the<strong> line (handicap) market.</strong> The line has been set at 17.5, with<strong> Ireland -17.5.</strong> Given that they've won three of their last five by significantly larger margins, we think there is value in this option.</p> <p>We also think there is value in the<strong> total Ireland points market</strong>. The line here has been set at <strong>36.5, and we think the value lies in the under. </strong>This total has been passed just twice in the last five, and with Italy likely to have a bounce in their step following their surprise win over Scotland, we think it's likely Ireland will reach the low 30s.</p> <h2>Our Prediction</h2> <p>Check the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-union/the-six-nations/ireland-v-italy-10135603">Ireland vs Italy betting odds</a> at Sportsbet.</p> <p>We think that it is likely that<strong> Ireland will continue their dominance and win.</strong> We do think this game will be more competitive than some have been between the two nations.</p> <p>As a long shot, we think there is value in the<strong> '49-55' points range market.</strong> Given the competitiveness and factors going into this game, we think it will follow last year's meeting.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-union/international-matches">Your guide to betting on international rugby Test matches</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-union/european-champions-cup">Who's in the hunt to be crowned kings of Europe?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-rugby-championship">Everything you need to know about betting on the Rugby Championship</a></li> </ul>