Dan Sheehan scored a hat-trick to help Ireland overcome a poor start and keep alive their hopes of defending their Guinness Six Nations title with a tough 22-17 win over Italy to add bonus points to their tally.
A week after their Grand Slam dream was crushed 42-27 by France in Dublin, Simon Easterby's side triumphed in Rome to take top spot ahead of their other fixtures on Saturday.
Hugo Keenan's goal cancelled out an early strike from Azzurri striker Monti Ioane before hooker Sheehan's treble turned the tide in the visitors' favour.
However, midfielder Jack Crowley, who started in place of Sam Prendergast, failed to convert three of his four attempts, leaving Italy with hopes of a shock.
A try from Stephen Varney and seven points from Tommaso Allan added to the tension but the hosts' indiscipline hampered their chances of success.
Michele Lamaro spent some time in the penalty area, while Ross Vincent received a 20-minute red card and Giacomo Nicotera was booked late in the match before Ireland were able to hold on.
The reigning champions, who failed to significantly increase their lead, now need England to lose away to Wales and tournament favourites France to lose at home to Scotland.
Backed by an estimated 30,000 fans, the Republic of Ireland team took to a packed Stadio Olimpico where they needed a comfortable win to put pressure on their title rivals after last week's humiliating defeat on home soil.
Easterby's side were punished for their poor start when Paolo Garbisi curled a graceful shot into the corner after excellent work from Tommaso Menoncello, sending Ioane out wide on the left and defender Allan converted a difficult effort.
Italy, looking to avoid the wooden spoon for the second year running, missed 18 tries as they suffered heavy defeats to France and England in the third and fourth rounds.
Finlay Bealham had a goal disallowed for a double move as Ireland finally threatened inside the home side's 22 before Keenan ran out of goal after
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