HUGO KEENAN 7
What a 13th minute try by the ever-excellent full-back, shrugging off one tackle and spinning out of another.
MACK HANSEN 9
Came off his wing to get involved for the visitors' second try, then scored two of his own in an outstanding attacking display.
BUNDEE AKI 6
Superb off-load for Ireland's first try, brilliant midfield burst for the second and then scored the third himself in the corner...then had his pass intercepted to five Italy a lifeline. Had a later try chalked off for knocking on before grounding and conceded too many penalties.
STUART MCCLOSKEY 7
A late inclusion at centre for Garry Ringrose and, predictably, brought plenty of physicality to the midfield area. A high tackle on Ange Capuozzo midway through the second half denied the Azzurri flyer a charge downfield.
JAMES LOWE 7
Try chance dropped after 90 seconds but provided the assist for the first try. Knocked on close to his own line, but Ireland survived, and boomed a clearance well into Italian territory with his next involvement. A constant threat.
ROSS BYRNE 7
Pumped before kick-off as he delivered a rousing huddle speech. First Six Nations start and kept Ireland's attack ticking over, but lacked the sort of penetrative runs that are Johnny Sexton's trademark. Landed three from five conversions as well as a penalty.
CRAIG CASEY 6
Prevented an 18th minute Italy try by chasing back to deny Pierre Bruno. Took a whack in the windpipe after winning turnover ball but kept going in his first Six Nations start, but Ireland needed Conor Murray's better control to see it home in the pressurised final stages.
ANDREW PORTER 6
Produced a great turnover in the first half but later conceded the penalty with an off the ball obstruction that allowed Paolo Garbisi to make it a four point game.
RONAN KELLEHER 6
First start for the hooker since last year's Six Nations. Great turnover before the half hour underlined the real threat he offered at the breakdown, but Ireland's lineout creaked at times and Dan Sheehan is likely to come back in against Scotland.
FINLAY BEALHAM 6
Suffered a knee injury six minutes from half-time and while he initially continued, the tighthead was forced off before the break, making way for the excellent Tom O'Toole.
JAMES RYAN 7
Played a captain's role in Sexton's absence by steaming in to score a third minute try and had a strong first half, but there's a sense that he needs to find more when handed the captaincy and the chips are down.
IAIN HENDERSON 6
Back in the starting line-up and calling the lineouts, though Ireland were not nailed on in that area. Eager to impress after Tadhg Beirne's injury but made little impact in the loose.
CAELAN DORIS 7
Switched to blindside flanker role for this one and while not as highly effective in attack, he did some important work - not least a first half ruck steal with Italy threatening, followed by a clever backheel turnover.
JOSH VAN DER FLIER 7
Early burst set the tone but it was his defensive work that proved vital at times for his side as he found himself constantly scrambling to put out fires.
JACK CONAN 6
Given the chance to start after looking back to his normal self off the bench in the two previous games, but didn't deliver the sort of effort that Doris is coming up with consistently at no 8.
SUBSTITUTES
TOM O'TOOLE 8
RYAN BAIRD 7
DAN SHEEHAN 7
PETER O'MAHONY 7
CONOR MURRAY 8
DAVE KILCOYNE 6
JIMMY O'BRIEN 6
