Ireland failed to put their World Cup woes behind them as they carved out a scrappy 16-11 Six Nations win over Italy at Croke Park in Dublin.

Ireland failed to build on a positive start that saw them 10-0 ahead with less than 20 minutes played after full-back Girvan Dempsey (pictured) had crossed for the game's first try.

The Azzurri stayed in touch thanks mostly to a powerful forward effort that saw number eight Sergio Parisse score on his debut as a captain and ensure that Ireland had an uncomfortable time in the closing stages of the game.

The result will do little to ease the pressure on Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, who came under huge pressure after his fancied side failed to reach the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup.

O'Sullivan's critics have called for changes to a side that came close to winning last year's Six Nations title.

But O'Sullivan resisted and at first it appeared the right decision as his experienced players produced an opening full of promise.

Eion Reddan was Ireland's best player and the scrum-half troubled the Italy defence with a number of sniping breaks in the first half.

Ireland had several chances in the opening quarter and finally crossed after a move that had started deep in their own half.

Wing Geordan Murphy was worked clear down the right and, when the ball was recycled, Ronan O'Gara found Andrew Trimble on the other wing with an inch-perfect cross kick.

Trimble did well to off-load to Dempsey and the full-back raced over for a lovely try.

Ireland lost centre Gordon D'Arcy with an arm injury five minutes later and although his replacement Rob Kearny showed some nice touches on the wing, the snap seemed to disappear from their back play.

Italy full-back David Bortolussi cancelled out an earlier O'Gara penalty to make it 10-3 going into the break.

The Azzurri will have taken great confidence from still being in touch after such a one-sided half.

Italy had been without second row Santiago Dellape for the 10 minutes before the break but still Ireland were unable to take advantage.

After a promising start by Ireland to the second half, they lost flanker Simon Easterby to the sin bin and Italy almost took immediate advantage of the extra man, only for Bortolussi to miss with a penalty chance.

O'Gara settled nerves with his second penalty making it 13-3 just before the hour mark, but soon after Italy gave ample evidence of their forward strength when Parisse was driven over from a lineout.

Although the referee had to go to the video official there were few Irish bodies near the ball and it was a clear try.

O'Gara and Bortolussi swapped further penalties to leave the score at 16-11 with just over 10 minutes to play.

Ireland tried to keep the ball tight and run down the clock but Italy continued to battle hard and gave them an nervous time at the end to the match.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport