In 2020，the EU saw a drop by 13% of the number of illegal entries along its external borders，due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions put in place by the member states. Nevertheless，irregular arrivals to Italy through the Central Mediterranean Route almost tripled from the previous year. This essay aims to provide an analysis of the Italian irregular migration management in a year haunted by the pandemic. In the first place，it reveals that Italy has been exposed to a number of serious problems brought about by the unexpected increase of illegal landings，especially difficulties in migrant reception，security problems and environment concerns. Secondly，it is indicated that the Mini-surge of irregular arrivals should be attributed generally to the complicated and changing situations in the two main countries of embarkation，i.e.，the economic deterioration and heightened unemployment rate in Tunisia，and on the other hand，the political instability，armed conflicts and absence of a unified leadership in Libya. As observed in the Third Section，countermeasures conducted by Conte II Government have produced different outcomes. Porti Non Sicuri Decree has created misunderstandings between Italy and its North African partners，weakening their mutual political trust. Thanks to mutual-benefiting cooperation with countries of embarkation，migration control has been significantly reinforced. On-board Quarantines have contributed to migrant resettlement and aroused problems concerning healthcare，human rights and financial burdens as well. Last but not least，the paper concludes that irregular migration on the Central Mediterranean Route is still controllable and will remain under control in 2021 under the new cabinet headed by Draghi，in spite of multiple challenges.