It's a scrappy line out and Ireland win possession.

A kick is sent high and Lowe manages to knock it backwards, and Ireland look to go again just inside the Italian half.

Ireland move it through the hands off the back of the scrum and manage to get up to halfway before Keenan is swallowed up.

Gibson-Park, who has been a bit off his usual high standards, tries to fling a out wide to James Lowe but he puts too much on it and Italy have the throw.

Image source, Getty

Italy win the throw and look to get things moving, but a to Ignacio Brex is deemed to be forward and Ireland will have the scrum on the edge of their own 22.

Italy win the first penalty of the half after some Irish runners impeded the chasing Italian pack.

Tommaso Allan sends a superb kick deep into the Irish half.

, Italy start the half with 14 players after Lamaro's moment of madness. He has seven minutes left on the sidelines.

The final 40 minutes for Italy and Ireland in this year's Six Nations.

Off we go!

Brian O'Driscoll
Former Ireland captain on ITV1

We know it's a 23 man game. When you look at the bench for Ireland, they've got fresh legs to come on and that will be a concern for Italy

The next 10 minutes of the second half is all-important.

Jonny Bell
Former Ulster and Ireland centre on BBC Radio Ulster

Some little mistakes and frustrations are hindering Ireland.

They have a bit of momentum with a try just before half time.

There's also a bench that can bring a lot of energy.

I firmly believe Ireland have the fire-power to come out as a different team and get the four tries they need for the bonus point.

As the players return to the pitch, who wants a reminder of the permutations on this 'Super Saturday'? Ireland must win in Rome, and well, and hope both England and lose later on if they are to retain their title.

Full focus on the second half in Rome for now, and the rest will look after itself later on.

Matt mentioned the Irish coaching box in Rome? This pretty much sums up their mood in the first half.

Image source, Getty Images

Claire Small
Ireland international on BBC Radio Ulster

Ireland have looked a bit blunt and disted in attack and it might be a hangover from the game.

Their shape just doesn't look quite right.

They're not firing on all cylinders and it's frustrating for them so I'm sure there'll be words said in the team-talk as they need to go up a gear or two.

Thanks for tuning in wherever you are in the world, by the way.

A special shoutout to Caroline, who is stuck at the airport after planning to watch the match with her daughter.

Hopefully Dan Sheehan's try makes up for the flight delay!

Chris Henry
Former Ulster & Ireland flanker on BBC Radio Ulster

I think Ireland will be going in very disappointed after a sluggish start.

Their attack hasn't clicked, they've had slow ball and it has made it a really nip and tuck game.

Ireland are a better team on paper but they haven't shown it this afternoon.

The missed conversion for the second try could cost Ireland and Italy are still very much in this game.

It was some start from Italy.

Image source, Getty Images

But Ireland hit back.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has said that Bloodgate, the scandal which rocked the rugby world in 2009, is on par with drug cheating.

O’Driscoll played in the match for Leinster where Harlequins player Tom Williams was instructed to bite into a blood capsule to manipulate substitution rules, and has been reflecting on the saga in the Sport’s Strangest Crimes – Bloodgate podcast:

"It's out and out cheating. And I think we're all – well - lots of people that, you know, I really try to push the laws, push the laws of what you can get away with on the field. But this just goes into a different sphere. Same as drugs. Like I personally could never have lived with myself. The knowledge, if I had taken something and one, it just wouldn't be the same achievement."

You can listen to Sport’s Strangest Crimes – Bloodgate on BBC Sounds.

I know Ireland's chances of the title are slim, but there are greater concerns about getting the win this afternoon.

If it wasn't for Lamaro's yellow card they would have been behind at the break.

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI at Stadio Olimpico

Ireland, somehow, will lead at half-time and Italy only have themselves to blame. Azzurri captain Michele Lamaro was dropped for this game, . He won't be in Gonzalo Quesada's good books after that.

And Jack Crowley would like that kick back, by the way.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

It looked like Italy would lead in Rome at half-time until Michele Lamaro's moment of madness right before the break.

He's in the bin, and Ireland immediately capitalised.

It's dropped and Luke Pearce awards the scrum for Italy, but he's going to the TMO as 'something didn't look right'.

His instincts are correct. Michele Lamaro definitely put his hands out as Jamison Gibson-Park lifted the ball.

That was silly from the Italian captain, and he's furious with himself as he's sent to the bin.

It's sent into the corner.