Paul Marshall runs in one of Ireland's five tries at Athlone

Fionn Carr, Marshall and Matthew Williams scored first half tries which helped Ireland lead 20-6 at half-time.

The Italian had two men sinbinned before half-time but the Irish struggled to make their advantage tell.

Cave's breakaway score and captain Philpott's 69th minute effort completed the try-count in Athlone.

Fionn Carr's 15th minute added to Jonathan Sexton's early penalty for the Irish.

Fly-half Andrea Brussolo opened Italy's account in the 22nd minute but Ireland extended their lead to 15-3 three minutes later when scrum-half Marshall touched down after a great off-load by Matthew Williams.

Brussolo struck a second Italian penalty after 30 minutes before Marshall turned provider to set up Williams to run in unopposed for Ireland's third try.

Italy had Angelo Russo and Alberto Saccardo sinbinned before half-time but the Irish were unable to put more points on the board on either side of the break despite their numerical advantage.

Brussolo cut Ireland's lead to 20-9 in the 52nd minute but any prospect of an Italian comeback was ended by Cave's 53rd minute try which was set up by Ross Noonan's interception and Peter Durcan's clever kick ahead.

Philpott scored Ireland's fifth and final try after Devon Toner had been held up just short of the line.

Ireland U21: Carr, M. Williams, Cave, Doyle, Durcan, Sexton, Marshall, D. Hurley, Philpott, Doran-Jones, Toner, Touhy, Noonan, Uzoigwe, Holland.
Replacements: Cronin, Black, McGowan, S. O'Brien, D. Williams, Gleeson, McFadden.

Italy U21: Robuschi, Russo, Neethling, Patrizio, Sepe, Brussolo, Semenzato, Giazzon, Vicere, Muccignat, Tveraga, Saccardo, Derbyshire, Cattina, Pelizzari.
Replacements: E. Ceccato, Giovanchelli, Michelini, Rendace, Barbieri, Billot, A. Ceccato.

Referee: Bruce Robertson (Warwickshire)