Italy deservedly led Ireland 16-12 at half-time in Rome, but Joe Schmidt's side just about did enough to avoid a huge Six Nations upset.
Peter O'Mahony is relishing the prospect of leading Ireland out in Rome in the absence of the rested Rory Best.
Sean Cronin has come off the bench 32 times for Ireland in the Six Nations, but he will start in Rome this weekend.
The third round of fixtures in the 2019 Six Nations sees Wales host England, Scotland visit France, and Ireland head to Italy.
Having played for Ulster last week, Iain Henderson has been named in the 34-man Ireland squad to face Italy as expected.
Having sustained a suspected concussion while playing for Top 14 at the weekend, Sergio Parisse will sit out Italy's clash with Ireland.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has confirmed Leinster's Robbie Henshaw has extended his contract until June 2022.
Following a head injury against Scotland, Johnny Sexton is fit again and in the running to play for Ireland in Italy.
There were concerns that Iain Henderson would not feature in the Six Nations, but the lock looks set to play a part for Ireland.
Callum Braley won successive World Rugby Under-20 Championships with England but has been named in the latest Italy training squad.
Johnny Sexton left Ireland's Six Nations win over Scotland with a head injury and Joe Schmidt hopes he will recover in time to face...
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Scotland were beaten by Ireland at Murrayfield in the Six Nations on Saturday and head coach Gregor Townsend felt he was to blame.
Tries from Conor Murray, Jacob Stockdale and Keith Earls saw Ireland victorious at Scotland, giving Rory Best encouragement.
Captain Greig Laidlaw felt French official Romain Poite did not do Scotland any favours in the loss to Ireland.
Conor Murray, Jacob Stockdale and Keith Earls crossed for tries as Ireland got up and running in the Six Nations at Murrayfield.
Devin Toner will play no further part in the Six Nations due to the damage done to his ankle in the defeat to England.