Aside from early chase of Earls' kick he got precious few opportunities to stretch his legs. A dropped high ball aside, he performed the fundamentals to good effect.

Terrific footwork to dance over for Ireland's third try to re-take the lead. Gave a preview of that ability early when he cut inside and created a chance for Andrew Conway shortly after his introduction. Tenacious tackle to stop Tebaldi scoring at 7-0 and could be seen fighting tooth and nail to pull the Azzurri attack back when it cut loose.

Clearly not fully fit with Conor Murray taking over kicking duties. Never appeared to have a firm grip on control of this match. Attempted to use the trademark loop to ignite something, but precious few moments of ingenuity suggest that his lack of form is about more than a lack of game-time. 

Early signs of a return to his best fluid passing and he came into his own when Ireland entered the red zone. Had a bonus point try to celebrate, but overall this was another tough day for a man aspiring to be the world's best scrum-half.

Performed well in the loose with 10 solid carries and tackles. Earned the early upper-hand in the scrum and brought solidity to that set-piece.

Unfortunately he seemd to live down to the big reason Joe Schmidt tends not to select him as a starting hooker. Three first-half over-thrown line-outs cost Ireland at both ends, most obiviously to leave the gate open for Edoardo Padovani's try. Didn't get enough chances with ball in hand to balance out the bad with the good.

Was one of the men visibly trying to grab the game by the scruff of the neck by making powerful bursts into contact. His standards are staying high on both sides of the ball while the team struggles for Joe Schmidt's 'cohesion'.

Led Ireland's tackle count throughout, finishing with 20 on top of 8eight solid carries. Also got through a massive amount of work around the ruck was effective in the maul. 

Powerful in the carry to give Ireland precious go-forward ball, including two in the lead up to his own try. As line-out caller, he must take a large portion of responsibility for its malfunction.

Earned the official man of the match gong thanks to some crucial turnovers at crucial times. Seemed to take ownership of the line-out in the second-half and brought the usual abbrasive tackling presence.

Conceded two consecutive penalties midway through the first-half which invited Italy into a game they looked ready to be blown out of. Far from his best day, but didn't want for work-rate.

Stood firm in his defensive efforts, but not nearly effective enough in attack or set-piece to provide Jack Conan or CJ Stander with worries over their position.

Powered into quality carries during his time on the field and helped lay the platform to close out the game.

A positive influence on defensive line-speed when he was introduced and, as is his wont, slammed into tackles and rucks.