The Stadio Flaminio in Rome is, as usual for this fixture, populated by a sizable and vocal contingent of green, white and orange-clad supporters
The home fans, too, add to the colour of the occasion and are out in force, sensing perhaps a rare upset could be in the offing
With rumours that Nick Mallett's reign as Italy coach could soon be coming to an end, a good showing by his team is of paramount importance for the South African
Ireland struggle to breach the Italian line in a tight, error-strewn first half as the home side's organised pack hunt in numbers
Sean O'Brien's Championship debut at number eight was highly anticipated by the Irish rugby public, but the Leinster man's ball-carrying is stifled by some big hits early on
Ireland's penetration is hampered by numerous handling errors, with Keith Earls (pictured) one of the guilty parties
With both sides squandering good possession and defences on top, Italy go in at the break narrowly leading 6-3 - Mirco Bergamasco kicking two penalties to Jonathan Sexton's one for Ireland
Ireland finally make the breakthrough after the restart when Brian O'Driscoll goes over before Jonathan Sexton adds the extras to make it 10-6
But despite O'Driscoll's try, the scrappy fare continues during much of the second half as the match trundles towards a tense finale
Ireland are stunned when Italy full-back Luke McLean dives over in the corner to put his side ahead by a point (11-10)
But after Bergamasco misses his conversion, Ronan O'Gara - on as a replacement for Sexton - kicks a match-winning drop-goal with two minutes left as Ireland get out of jail
A pat on the head on from coach Mallett is scant consolation for Fabio Ongaro (centre) and his team-mates, who appear devastated after coming so close to triumphing
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