Busana crossed twice in six minutes as the tournament hosts backed up their opening-day success against Scotland to make it two wins from two.
Vittoria Zanette and Greta Copat also crossed, while Ireland – who were beaten by England in round one – scored tries through Ivana Kiripati and two from Kelly Burke.
FAST IRELAND START
Ireland almost opened the scoring in the 14th minute, when a strong scrum set the platform for a Lucia Linn surge deep into Italy’s 22m.
Unable to make the most of their good territory on that occasion, 10 minutes later Niamh Briggs’ team broke the deadlock when a high tackle allowed Ellen O’Sullivan-Sexton to kick her team into a threatening position.
A line-out maul came to nothing for Ireland but the resulting phases of play took them closer and closer to the try line and eventually saw Kiripati dotted down from close range.
O’Sullivan-Sexton added the extras for Ireland, who soon found themselves level again when Italy’s Zanettec crossed from just five metres out.
Neither team was able to land another blow before half-time, leaving it all to play for in the second half at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Showing great resolve and confidence after conceding first in the fixture, Italy pressed home in the second half to secure the win.
BUSANA BOUNCES BACK
Busana crossed the whitewash twice, her first score coming thanks to a dominant scrum five metres out, with the Azzurre flinging the ball wide to the wing who scythed through to score.
Enjoying their time in Ireland’s 22m, Italy set up shop again and had another try to show for their exertions as they took control. Prodding and prodding the Irish defence, the host nation moved from right to left to help Busana score another try after latching on to a stunning Mihaela Pirpiliu pass to the left touchline.
With 15 minutes left to play Italy extended their lead further. Another positive push forward from the scrum put Ireland on the back-foot, Copat was driven over.
Hope of an Ireland comeback, after Kelly Burke profited from a strong maul drive, kept the fixture interesting in the final 10 minutes.
A jinking run from Faith Oviawe put Ireland on the Italian 22m and a breakdown penalty five metres out as the clock ticked towards the 80-minute mark.
Burke added her second try from another maul, with Kate Flannery’s wayward conversion bringing close to the contest.
