Match Centre: Six Nations: Italy 22-15 Wales

Italy 22-15 Wales, Rome

Italy secured back-to-back victories over Wales for the first time in Six Nations history, claiming a hard-fought 22-15 win in wet conditions at Stadio Olimpico.

Warren Gatland’s side suffered yet another setback, extending their losing streak to 14 consecutive matches.

Despite showing early promise, Wales once again failed to convert their opportunities, allowing Italy to build momentum and punish their errors.

Wales began with attacking intent, with scrum-half Tomos Williams launching a precise kick for winger Josh Adams near the try line.

However, Adams was unable to gather the ball cleanly, and Italy capitalized by winning a penalty at the resulting scrum, halting Wales’ progress inside the 22.

The hosts took the lead in the sixth minute when fullback Tommaso Allan slotted a penalty after Wales were penalized for offside at a ruck. Fly-half Ben Thomas responded for Wales with a penalty of his own, leveling the score at 3-3 as the rain continued to influence play.

Italy, however, showed greater attacking sharpness and were rewarded when Paolo Garbisi’s clever show-and-go was followed by a well-placed grubber kick, which saw Ange Capuozzo sprint through to score. Allan converted to extend Italy’s lead to 10-3.

The home side continued to press, with Allan adding two more penalties before halftime, giving Italy a commanding 16-3 advantage.

Meanwhile, Wales’ attacking efforts were thwarted by handling errors and forward passes, with Adams again missing an opportunity to capitalize on a well-placed Williams kick.

Italy nearly extended their lead early in the second half when Martin Page-Relo attempted an ambitious penalty from inside his own half, only for the ball to strike the post.

However, their aggressive approach paid off moments later when Adams was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Garbisi. Allan converted another penalty, stretching Italy’s lead to 19-3.

Wales finally found some hope when replacement back-rower Aaron Wainwright powered over for a try, reducing the deficit to 19-8 with ten minutes remaining. Dan Edwards’ conversion attempt hit the post, missing a crucial opportunity to close the gap further.

But Wales’ ill-discipline continued to be their downfall. Allan punished them yet again with his sixth successful penalty kick, pushing Italy’s lead to 22-8.

Although Italy found themselves temporarily reduced to 13 men after Marco Riccioni and Dino Lamb were shown yellow cards in quick succession, the damage was already done. Wales were awarded a penalty try to make it 22-15, but it was too little, too late.

Garbisi sealed the victory by kicking the ball into touch, sparking celebrations in Rome as Italy secured a second consecutive win over Wales, marking a significant moment in their Six Nations campaign.

For Warren Gatland’s team, this latest defeat raises further concerns. With their losing streak now extended to 14 matches, Wales will need to regroup quickly to avoid finishing at the bottom of the standings.

Team line up:

Italy: Allan; Capuozzo, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, Page-Relo; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (capt), L Cannone.

Reserves: Lucchesi, Rizzoli, Riccioni, Lamb, Zuliani, Vintcent, A Garbisi, Trulla.

Wales: L Williams; Rogers, Tompkins, James, Adams; B Thomas, Tomos Williams; G Thomas, Lloyd, H Thomas, Rowlands, F Thomas, Botham, Morgan (capt), Faletau.

Reserves: Dee, Smith, Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Wainwright, R Williams, Edwards, Hatahaway.