Italy compounded misery on winless Ireland as Giovanni Raineri’s side secured their first victory of this year’s Six Nations courtesy of a brace by Alyssa D’Inca. 

Sofia Stefan crossed for a try in the first half, with D'Inca touching down twice in the second and centre Michela Sillari kicking nine points.

Ireland replied with a penalty try but remain without a victory and without a point from their opening three games.

The Irish have now lost their first three matches of a Women's Six Nations for the first time since 2007.

Ireland coach Greg McWilliams said: "It's disappointing. The players put in a big effort and we saw some good endeavour but we're going to have to work on our execution at critical stages. That's something we will own.

"I feel sorry for the players at the moment but we'll dust ourselves off, move forward, review the footage, commit to a plan and go again next week.

"We're looking to improve and make continuous progression in a short space of time."

Italy move up to fourth in the table ahead of today's meeting of France and Scotland.

There were positive noises coming out of the Ireland camp before the game, with coach Greg McWilliams explaining that the encounter with the Italians represented a test to show his squad "where they are".

The Irish finished fourth in last year's Six Nations with the help of a win over Le Azzurre but Italy, who finished fifth last term, have demonstrated the progress they have made since then by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals last year and with improved performances in the current campaign.

Italy conceded nine first-half penalties but were first to score on 28 minutes when captain for the game Stefan ran in after receiving a pass from Silliari, who added the conversion.

An Ireland line-out throw failed to reach its target and the home side pounced with a sweeping counter, which ended with wing D'Inca gliding in under the posts.

Ireland continued to see plenty of the ball in the second half but lacked a clinical edge and Sillari extended the lead with a 63rd-minute penalty.

The visitors drove Italy back and were rewarded for their superiority up front with a penalty try when the home scrum collapsed under the weight of the Irish scrum.

However, D’Inca scored the final try when she drifted inside to collect a chipped kick from Beatrice Rigoni.