Malcolm OKelly and Brian ODriscoll grabbed the tries that secured a 12-0 half-time lead at Lansdowne Road.

And a second-half try from Shane Horgan wrapped up a third championship victory with Scotland to come in Dublin next weekend.

The Italians had hooker Fabio Ongaro sin-binned in the 17th minute but, against the wind, they held out until the 27th.

OKelly stole a line-out to plunge over and ODriscoll conjured up a solo effort converted by Ronan OGara.

Horgan claimed Irelands third try 15 minutes into the second half. OGaras flat pass sent him storming through a gap in the Italian midfield to score under the posts.

The Italians clearly felt OGaras pass had been a shade forward. But the try, Horgans 11th in 28 Tests, stood - and OGara added the conversion for a 19-0 lead.

A spell of Italian pressure ought to have ended with a try. Scott Palmer and Andrea de Rossi carved open the Irish defence. But with the line at his mercy, left wing Denis Dallan dropped de Rossis pass.

Keith Gleeson and ODriscoll picked up knocks as the Italians pressed - but both were able to continue.

Gleeson eventually had to succumb to his injury, sustained during a tackle, and trudged off with an ice pack clutched to his right forearm. Victor Costello came on to replace him on the hour.

Driving rain added to the problems posed by the strong winds and handling became increasingly difficult.

ODriscoll was sinbinned in the 63rd minute for a high tackle on Italian scrum-half Paul Griffen.

Roland de Marigny got Italy on the scoreboard after 66 minutes when he landed a penalty in front of the posts.

But it was the hosts, for whom Anthony Foley picked up the RBS Man of the Match honour, who conquered and go into the final week with a chance at the title.

Ireland: Tries: O'Kelly, O'Driscoll, S. Horgan. Cons: O'Gara 2.
Ireland: Dempsey, S. Horgan, D'arcy, O'Driscoll, Murphy,O'Gara, Stringer, Corrigan, Byrne, Hayes, O'Kelly, O'Callaghan,S. Easterby, Gleeson, Foley.
Replacements: Maggs for D'arcy (77), Humphreys for O'Gara (79),G. Easterby for Stringer (79), Horan for Corrigan (64),Sheahan for Byrne (80), Longwell for O'Callaghan (80),Costello for Gleeson (60).
Sin Bin: O'Driscoll (64).
Italy: Canale, Mazzucato, Stoica, Barbini, D. Dallan,De Marigny, Griffen, Lo Cicero, Ongaro, Castrogiovanni,Checchinato, Bortolami, De Rossi, Persico, Palmer.
Pens: De Marigny. Italy: Canale, Mazzucato, Stoica, Barbini, D. Dallan,De Marigny, Griffen, Lo Cicero, Ongaro, Castrogiovanni, Checchinato, Bortolami, De Rossi, Persico, Palmer.
Replacements: Bergamasco for Canale (65),Dellape for Barbini (54), Picone for Griffen (78),Perugini for Lo Cicero (79), Masi for Checchinato (54),Festuccia for Palmer (20).Not Used: Mandelli.
Sin Bin: Ongaro (18).
Att: 49,250
Ref: Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)