Italy v Wales LIVE: Six Nations result and reaction as Wales continue losing streak with harrowing defeat

Warren Gatland's position as Wales head coach was left hanging by a thread after his team lost 22-15 against Italy at Stadio Olimpico and lurched towards a second successive Six Nations wooden spoon.

Wales' 14th successive Test match defeat could be the final straw for Gatland's Welsh Rugby Union bosses. They have promised a detailed review of Wales' Six Nations performances after the tournament and matters are hardly likely to improve given that remaining fixtures are against Ireland, Scotland and England.

It was Gatland's 20th loss in 26 Tests since returning for a second stint at the helm, an eighth Six Nations reversal in a row and the first time Wales have suffered back-to-back defeats against Italy.

They also slumped to a new world ranking low of 12th, with Georgia climbing above them following their Rugby Europe Championship victory over the Netherlands in Tbilisi.

Relive all the action from the Stadio Olimpico in our live blog below:

Italy vs Wales LIVE

• Italy beat Wales 22-15 in the second round of the Six Nations

• Visitors suffer a 14th consecutive defeat to leave Warren Gatland on the brink

• FULL-TIME! Italy 22-15 Wales

• 68' - TRY! Wainwright powers over to hit back for Wales (ITA 19-8 WAL)

• 20' - TRY! Capuozzo acrobatically finishes in the corner (ITA 10-3 WAL)

Tommaso Allan: 'The win was amazing'

16:39 , Ciara Fearn

Tommaso Allan speaking to ITV:

Wales facing another winless Six Nations after dismal defeat to Italy

16:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland’s position as Wales head coach was left hanging by a thread after his team lost 22-15 against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico and lurched towards a second successive Six Nations wooden spoon.

Wales’ 14th successive Test match defeat could be the final straw for Gatland’s Welsh Rugby Union bosses.

They have promised a detailed review of Wales’ Six Nations performances after the tournament and matters are hardly likely to improve given that remaining fixtures are against Ireland, Scotland and England.

It was Gatland’s 20th loss in 26 Tests since returning for a second stint at the helm, an eighth Six Nations reversal in a row and the first time Wales have suffered back-to-back defeats against Italy.

They also slumped to a new world ranking low of 12th, with Georgia climbing above them following their Rugby Europe Championship victory over the Netherlands in Tbilisi.

Wales facing another winless Six Nations after dismal defeat to Italy

Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland: 'We've got to be honest with ourselves'

16:30 , Ciara Fearn

Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland speaks to ITV:

Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada: 'Happy with "90%" of Italy's win over Wales'

16:28 , Ciara Fearn

Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada speaks to ITV:

Gareth Thomas: 'It's a disappointing result'

16:24

Wales prop Gareth Thomas speaking to S4C:

"Quite emotional at full-time. It's a disappointing result and just not good enough.

"It's hard to put a finger on it. The effort is there, but discipline cost us."

Wales suffer harrowing defeat to Italy in Rome

16:23 , Luke Baker

A grim, grim day for Welsh rugby

Jac Morgan: 'Discipline let us down'

16:21 , Ciara Fearn

Wales captain Jac Morgan told S4C:

"I'm gutted with the result. We've worked hard all week and things just didn't go our way.

"Discipline let us down. We gave them opportunities to kick points and that built the score board to be too high at the end."

Jamie Roberts: 'Schoolboy' performance from Wales

16:20

Former Wales centre Jamie Roberts told ITV:

"I thought that was one of Wales' poorest performances over the last 18-20 months.

"I think everyone in Wales was expecting a kick back from the disappointing night in Paris last weekend.

"Our kicking game at times tonight was schoolboy.

"You just can't win Test matches, especially in the rain, against a quality Italian outfit who did it far better."

Full-Time! Italy 22-15 Wales

16:09 , Ciara Fearn

Italy have back-to-back Six Nations wins at home.

Wales got the game plan completely wrong and it looked like their poorest performance yet.

Wales never got a real chance, as Italy kept them pinned inside their own 22 and eventually won a breakdown penalty.

The last 20 mins were probably the best we’ve seen of Wales under pressure.

Italy will look at this as a really positive step forward - that was a perfect example of how to play in the rain.

Italy 22-15 Wales 78 mins

16:05 , Ciara Fearn

Penalty TRY!

The referee wastes no time and signals for a penalty try.

Italy receive another card, leaving them down to 13 players for the final minute.

This could be a fascinating finish.

Italy 22-8 Wales 76 mins

16:02 , Ciara Fearn

Wales have left themselves with too much to do and very little time.

The pressure from previous mistakes is catching up to them and making a comeback seem impossible.

Wales will need to look to take more risks, where as Italy will look to slow the game down.

Italy 22-8 Wales 73 mins

15:59

Italy get another three points on the board to extend their lead even further. Allan secures the kick.

Wales gave away another foul in the breakdown.

Josh Adams is back on the field for Wales.

Italy 19-8 Wales 69 mins

15:55

TRY! After a no try earlier, Wales power forward, and Wainwright breaks through on the blindside to score.

Dan Edwards steps up for the conversion but strikes the post.

Italy 19-3 Wales 68 mins

15:50 , Ciara Fearn

Wales knock it on, in Italy's 22, and their attack just hasn’t been solid today. Wales have made too many mistakes that Italy have capitalised on.

Josh Adams yellow card remains, with the officials deeming the level of danger to be low.

Italy 19-3 Wales 61 mins

15:44 , Ciara Fearn

Wales concede another penalty and Italy take advantage as Allan gets the points.

Italy have been firmly in control throughout the whole of this match.

Italy 16-3 Wales 59 mins

15:42 , Ciara Fearn

Yellow-card! Wales lose Josh Adams for a high tackle on Paolo Garbisi.

With head contact involved, it could be upgraded to a red. It’s all falling apart for Wales.

Italy 16-3 Wales 57 mins

15:39

Another penalty for Wales!

There’s no shape to Wales attack. Tom Rogers is penalised for a high tackle on Paolo Garbisi.

Italy take the long-range penalty and scrum-half Martin Page-Relo misses. That’s nine key points missed by Italy - the pressure appears to be building.

Italy 16-3 Wales 55 mins

15:33

Faletau is penalised for a neck-roll, giving Allan another shot at goal.

The ball drifts right, making it two misses in quick succession.

Italy 16-3 Wales 52 mins

15:31 , Ciara Fearn

Italy win another scrum battle, highlighting their dominance over Wales today.

This one is just outside the Welsh 22, Italy will be feeling a bit of pressure as Tommaso Allan misses.

Italy 16-3 Wales 48 mins

15:29 , Ciara Fearn

A great break from Wales! Blair Murray bursts through the Italian defence, but his kick ahead is easily beaten by Allan.

Dan Edwards has come on. It will be interesting to see how he manages the people around him. This is the fly-half’s second cap for Wales.

Italy 16-3 Wales 46 mins

15:25 , Ciara Fearn

Another poor moment as Tomos Williams sends a box kick straight out after Morgan’s hard work on the ground. Wales look out of their depth.

Lamaro excels at the breakdown once again, showcasing Italy’s dominance in that area today.

Italy now have a chance to launch an attack inside the Wales 22.

Italy 16-3 Wales 42 mins

15:21 , Ciara Fearn

Wales are in search of something dynamic to change the momentum of this game.

The weather seems to have eased - this should help Wales in terms of their game plan.

Wales secure their first lineout turnover of the match thanks to Rowlands, which should boost their confidence.

Italy 16-3 Wales 40 mins

15:19

We are back underway in Roman with Italy kicking things off for us.

Wales will need to score next if they are to avoid another defeat.

Sergio Parisee: 'Italy are clinical'

15:17

“Italy are playing smart and kicking to apply pressure.

“They dominate the scrum and often have the advantage. Italy were clinical and scored points, that was a brilliant first-half for them.”

Dan Biggar: 'Huge amount of work to do'

15:13 , Ciara Fearn

Dan Biggar speaking on ITV:

“Wales have a huge amount of work to do. The conditions have played a big part in Wales’ lack of discipline and penalties conceded from handling errors.

“On the other hand, Italy have been excellent, they had a clear plan and stuck to it.

“Wales have tried to play a few phases, but in these conditions you don’t want the ball. You want to be kicking and trying to squeeze other teams that way.”

Half-time Italy 16-3 Wales

15:05 , Ciara Fearn

Italy have a very healthy lead at half-time, especially in these troubling conditions.

It was crucial for Wales to hit back before the break, falling short it looks like Italy will have the upper-hand in the second half.

Wales are showing some good play in parts, but they lack accuracy. In these conditions, the skill level needs to be just that bit sharper and more commanding.

Italy 16-3 Wales, 38 mins

15:00 , Ciara Fearn

Another knock-on for Wales.

Unfortunately, Wales' passing isn’t up to standard. It’s too slow and lacking accuracy. This could cost them the game.

Italy 16-3 Wales, 36 mins

14:58 , Ciara Fearn

Wales miss a huge chance!

They just missed what could’ve been a glorious opening try.

Tomos Williams delivers a great kick through for Adams down the left, but, the winger fails to gather the ball in difficult conditions, just meters from the try line.

Italy 16-3 Wales, 34 mins

14:56 , Ciara Fearn

Knock-on for Wales results in more points for Italy.

Wales will have a scrum in Italy's half, but it’s a clear sign of how frustrating their attack has been.

This is concerning for Warren Gatland as we approach half-time.

You’d think in these conditions Wales would be better suited but, it’s Italy that are in control.

Italy 13-3 Wales, 29 mins

14:52 , Ciara Fearn

Penalty! Italy wins the breakdown once more, and it's Cannone again, this time in a defensive role.

Italy are clearly the stronger side now and have gained full control.

Italy are extending their lead as their penalties are racking up. Wales need to step up and secure more points to stay within contention and not lose valuable momentum.

Italy 10-3 Wales, 25 mins

14:48 , Ciara Fearn

Garbisi opts for an unconventional drop-goal attempt from 40 meters, but it falls short - an admirable effort.

Italy likely would have been better off continuing to attack with the ball in hand near the Wales 22.

Italy 10-3 Wales, 19 mins

14:44 , Ciara Fearn

TRY! Italy 10-3 Wales (Ange Capuozzo, 19 mins)

After the scrum, Italy quickly shift the ball and Paolo Garbisi then sends a kick through, and Ange Capuozzo finishes it off perfectly in the corner.

Allan successfully converts, putting the hosts seven points ahead.

Italy are dominating the scrum, creating an overload on the blindside, and the finish is clinical.

Italy 3-3 Wales, 17 mins

14:37 , Ciara Fearn

Penalty! Wales are off the mark. It’s a strong reaction that they can look to build momentum from.

Wales quickly gain possession and win a penalty at the breakdown, giving Ben Thomas, their fly-half the opportunity to attempt a shot at goal for the first time today.

Nick Tompkins has left the field for a head injury assessment.

Josh Hathaway comes on in his place.

Italy 3-0 Wales, 15 mins

14:34

Blair Murray chases down the kick and handles it superbly inside the Italian half. However, as Wales try to move the ball out to the left, Tomkins is tackled hard, causing the pass to go forward.

The hosts win a strong scrum and clear the ball, forcing a turnover at the breakdown. Capuozzo struggles to collect the bouncing ball on the right, so play is brought back for the Welsh knock-on.

Wales could miss Liam Williams under these high balls.

Italy 3-0 Wales, 6 mins

14:26 , Ciara Fearn

Penalty! Italy get the first points on the board with a penalty kick through the posts.

The full-back Tommaso Allan demonstrates his kicking skills once again. There’s been plenty of kicking in these early stages and the aerial battle is sure to be crucial today.

Freddy Thomas is penalised for offside, and Italy opted for the posts securing key points early on.

Italy 0-0 Wales, 4 mins

14:21 , Ciara Fearn

Tomos Williams shows great potential, delivering a cross-field kick, with Josh Adams narrowly missing the chance to gather it. Wales were so close to an early try.

The home team wins the scrum penalty and clears the ball into touch for the line-out.

KICK-OFF! Italy 0-0 Wales

14:18 , Ciara Fearn

And we’re off here in Rome at rainy Stadio Olimpico!

Gonzalo Quesada: Italy prepare for a 'big battle'

14:11 , Ciara Fearn

Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada speaking to ITV:

“Rugby is a sport of passion. If there are two nations who represent that well, it’s Wales historically, and Italy in recent years.

"With this weather, with so many things that are important around this game, the passion and belief both teams take onto the pitch will be key. We have no doubt of the determination and passion Wales will be bring.

"We try to prepare calmly, to be as clinical as we can, and match that passion and will, because we know a big battle is coming.”

Italy vs Wales

14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy began the weekend with a bigger expected margin of victory with the bookmakers than Ireland or France - a rare position for the Azzurri that reflects both their development and Wales’ plight. Can Gonzalo Quesada’s men deliver?

Italy vs Wales match officials

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee: Matthew Carley (Eng)

Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (NZ) & Sam Grove-White (Sco)

Television Match Official: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Foul Play Review Officer: Glenn Newman (NZ)

Italy prop Simone Ferrari expects scrum to be key battle

13:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Welsh scrum looked vastly improved against France, with Gareth Thomas holding firm against the combined mass of Uini Atonio, Emmanuel Meafou and the rest. Italy also went well at the set piece against Scotland, and tighthead Simone Ferrari is expecting it to be a decisive battle today.

“We have improved a lot and it was one of our goals to be able to use the scrum as an offensive weapon,” Ferrari explained. “We have come this far by always giving our all, even going through difficult moments that have made us grow. The time has come to reap the rewards - even if we are not the heaviest players in absolute terms we can get results.

“They have some very loosehead props like Gareth Thomas, who we know well because we meet him every year in the URC. We face Nicky Smith less because he plays for Leicester Tigers, but he is a very experienced prop. I think the Welsh scrum will be much more ready than the one seen in 2024, also thanks to the arrival from Harlequins of [Welsh scrum coach] Adam Jones, who will certainly have brought something new.”

Warren Gatland denies Italy clash is ‘biggest Wales game for 20 years’

13:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland has dismissed the notion Wales are facing their biggest game for two decades against Italy.

Former Wales fly half Dan Biggar described the Six Nations clash in Rome as Welsh rugby’s biggest game for the “last 15-20 years” after an opening 43-0 thrashing to France left Gatland’s side surveying a record-breaking 13th consecutive defeat.

A 14th at the Stadio Olimpico would leave Wales with the very real prospect of a second winless Six Nations campaign and championship wooden spoon and put Gatland in almost an untenable position.

Warren Gatland denies Italy clash is ‘biggest Wales game for 20 years’

Wales welcome back key figure Taulupe Faletau in bid to end losing run against Italy

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Taulupe Faletau will end a 16-month absence from Test rugby today as he makes a welcome return.

The 34-year-old, who has won 104 Wales caps and played five Tests for the British and Irish Lions, returns as one of two changes to the side hammered 43-0 by France last Friday.

Number eight Faletau has not made a Test appearance since suffering a broken arm during a 2023 World Cup pool victory over Georgia, with a string of fitness issues keeping him out of action over the last year or so.

Team news - Wales

13:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales are able to recall Taulupe Faletau after injury, with the number eight brought back into the starting side as Aaron Wainwright drops to the bench after suffering a nasty gash to the face in France. Owen Watkin suffered a more serious problem in that game, so Eddie James steps in to the midfield alongside Nick Tompkins.

There is late bad news, though - both Liam Williams and Dafydd Jenkins are RULED OUT. In to the starting side step Blair Murray and Freddie Thomas.

Wales XV: 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Evan Lloyd, 3 Henry Thomas; 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Freddie Thomas; 6 James Botham, 7 Jac Morgan (captain), 8 Taulupe Faletau; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Ben Thomas; 11 Josh Adams, 12 Eddie James, 13 Nick Tompkins, 14 Tom Rogers; 15 Blair Murray.

Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Aaron Wainwright; 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Dan Edwards, 23 Josh Hathaway.

Team news - Italy

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy make minimal changes to the side beaten in Scotland. Niccolo Cannone replaces Dino Lamb in a like-for-like alteration in the second row, while Simone Gesi’s injury brings about a recall for versatile back Jacopo Trulla on the bench.

Italy XV: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 3 Simone Ferrari; 4 Niccolo Cannone, 5 Federico Ruzza; 6 Sebastian Negri, 7 Michele Lamaro (capt.), 8 Lorenzo Cannone; 9 Martin Page-Relo, 10 Paolo Garbisi; 11 Monty Ioane, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 14 Ange Capuozzo; 15 Tommaso Allan.

Replacements: 16 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 17 Luca Rizzoli, 18 Marco Riccioni, 19 Dino Lamb, 20 Manuel Zuliani, 21 Ross Vintcent; 22 Alessandro Garbisi, 23 Jacopo Trulla.

Six new faces to watch in the 2025 Six Nations

13:00 , Luke Baker

Hope springs eternal as the Six Nations sides renew hostilities in rugby’s grandest old championship.

Another competitive edition of the tournament looks likely in 2025 with questions for each and every one of the competing sextet, and with the fixtures given an extra edge in a British and Irish Lions year.

A fresh crop of new faces just taking their first steps on the international stage will be out to make their mark over the next few weeks, with places on the plane to Australia perhaps up for grabs for those eligible.

There will be plenty of excitement around France and Italy, too, as the pair continue to unearth new talent.

The Independent has picked out one new(ish) face from each nation who could be set for a breakthrough tournament:

Six new faces to watch in the 2025 Six Nations

What will British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell be watching during the Six Nations?

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The quadrennial assembly of Britain and Ireland’s best and brightest will add yet more meaning to the Six Nations as Lions selection looms large over the tournament.

While it is, ultimately, the competition prize that players will be vying for, all of those eligible will be fully aware that Andy Farrell will be watching closely as he bids to narrow down his squad ahead of the tour of Australia.

England are understood to have addressed the conversation directly as they prepare for a vital campaign, while Ireland captain Caelan Doris has admitted that it will serve as an “extra factor” as the four constituent nations navigate the championship.

With his first coaching appointments in place, Farrell can now cast his discerning eye over the opening rounds of the tournament with plenty of themes set to emerge.

What might he particularly be looking out for?

What will Lions coach Andy Farrell be watching during the Six Nations?

Josh Adams knows Wales’ losing run needs to stop

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales have not won a Six Nations game since beating Italy at Stadio Olimpico in March 2023, while in just four Tests this season the try count against them is an alarming 24.

“It’s huge, isn’t it? We said that in the changing rooms after the (France) game,” Wales wing Josh Adams said.

“We understand the run we’ve been on. It’s 13 (losses) now. We want that to stop, obviously, and we are working tirelessly to do that.

“It is a big game for us, and we understand that. Not many people have given us any hope in this campaign, and we are going to try and use that to our advantage.”

Josh Adams knows Wales’ losing run needs to stop with Italy up next

Wales face ‘biggest game in last 15-20 years’ when they take on Italy

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales’ Six Nations clash against Italy has been billed as Welsh rugby’s biggest game for the “last 15-20 years” by former fly half Dan Biggar after their campaign began in demoralising and record-breaking fashion.

Wales face ‘biggest game in last 15-20 years’ when they take on Italy

Why Warren Gatland must shift the tone if Wales are to end their Six Nations woe

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The British upper classes of the 19th century took to spending their winters in Nice, the mild climate and magnificent vistas seen as perfect for rest and recuperation; the succour of the sunshine and shimmering seas of the Cote d’Azur just the ticket when escaping the harsh winters of home.

Warren Gatland’s Wales will hope the restorative powers of the city remain. Nice la Belle was a natural bridging point on their continental grand tour, with the under-pressure coach taking his young squad to the French coast ahead of a meeting of some magnitude with Italy. But is a wider shift in tone required from Gatland?

Why Warren Gatland must shift the tone if Wales are to end their Six Nations woe

Italy vs Wales: Can hosts handle expectation?

11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is extremely rare for regular Six Nations strugglers Italy to enter a game in the tournament that they are widely expected to win.

Successive Six Nations victories over Wales in Cardiff have helped underpin that status, yet just four wins from 25 previous meetings in the competition prove how tough an assignment they have generally found it.

Wales must put those doubts in Italian minds from kick-off and question if they can handle that tag of being favourites.

Italy vs Wales talking points: Captain Morgan a leader to follow

11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

If Wales need inspiration for the task ahead, then they should look no further than flanker Jac Morgan.

Amid the wreckage of a 43-0 Six Nations defeat against opening opponents France, the Wales skipper proved indestructible.

Across both teams, he topped the charts for most metres carried, most post-tackle metres made and most metres carried in attack. He also executed 27 tackles – a figure bettered only by his colleague Dafydd Jenkins.

If Wales, as a collective, get close to those levels then victory is highly likely.

Wales vs Italy talking points: Biggar's bold statement

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Former Wales fly-half and captain Biggar has described the Rome encounter as Wales’ biggest game for the last “15-20 years”.

While Wales have won Six Nations titles, Grand Slams and reached World Cup semi-finals during that time, events that will unfold at Stadio Olimpico appear an altogether different picture.

Win, and Wales avoid extending their record run of defeats, while also potentially staving off a last-place finish.

Lose, then everything unravels, with Gatland and his coaching staff under the most intense pressure. Changes would seem inevitable.

Wales vs Italy talking points: Faletau factor huge

10:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales’ world-class number eight Taulupe Faletau has not played Test rugby for 16 months.

A broken arm suffered during Wales’ last Test win against 2023 World Cup opponents Georgia was followed by him fracturing his shoulder in a comeback game for Cardiff.

With 104 caps and three British and Irish Lions tours on his CV, the 34-year-old is a model of consistency whose return to the international arena is so timely for Wales, given their current plight and a desperate need to start winning again.

Wales vs Italy talking points: Visitors must shut out the noise

10:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales have not lost to Italy in Rome since 2007, yet their current dismal form has left most bookmakers installing the Azzurri as firm favourites.

Wales are up against the ropes, but they have somehow got to overcome that, blank out extensive external criticism and deliver a match-winning performance.

Easier said than done, of course, for players whose confidence and self-belief in the national jersey could easily have taken a battering, but they simply have to dredge something from somewhere.

Five British and Irish Lions hopefuls who impressed in Six Nations round one

10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A Lions year adds extra meaning, not that it is needed, to every fixture involving the home nations in this campaign. Here are five of those who might have impressed Andy Farrell last weekend:

Five British and Irish Lions hopefuls who impressed in Six Nations round one

Six Nations 2025 schedule in full: Fixtures, results and table

09:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Six Nations continues this weekend with the best rugby sides in Europe again battling for spring supremacy.

Stay up to date with the latest results, table and upcoming fixtures with our handy one-stop shop for everything you need to know throughout the tournament:

Six Nations: Fixtures, results and table

Italy vs Wales team news

09:02 , By Harry Latham-Coyle

A very good morning. There are still a few hours until kick off in Rome, and there could be late changes for Wales - Warren Gatland is fretting over the fitness of Liam Williams after the full-back missed their captain’s run yesterday. Williams has been managing a knee injury and looked hobbled at times in Paris last week. Should he be ruled out, we are expecting Blair Murray to be elevated off the bench and Josh Hathaway to come into the matchday squad.

We’ll keep you updated. For now, though, here’s everything you need to know:

Is Italy vs Wales on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Six Nations clash

Italy vs Wales LIVE

Friday 7 February 2025 07:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Round two of the 2025 men’s Six Nations begins with a crunch clash in Rome as Wales bid to finally end their long losing streak in an encounter with Italy. The woe continued for Warren Gatland and his side with a predictable drubbing in Paris - can they find life again against an Italian side that showed their development and imperfections against Scotland last weekend?

Kick off is at 2.15pm GMT.

Team news - Wales

Thursday 6 February 2025 20:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales are able to recall Taulupe Faletau after injury, with the number eight brought back into the starting side as Aaron Wainwright drops to the bench after suffering a nasty gash to the face in France. Owen Watkin suffered a more serious problem in that game, so Eddie James steps in to the midfield alongside Nick Tompkins.

There is late bad news, though. Both Liam Williams and Dafydd Jenkins are RULED OUT - in to the starting side step Blair Murray and Freddie Thomas.

Wales XV: 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Evan Lloyd, 3 Henry Thomas; 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Freddie Thomas; 6 James Botham, 7 Jac Morgan (captain), 8 Taulupe Faletau; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Ben Thomas; 11 Josh Adams, 12 Eddie James, 13 Nick Tompkins, 14 Tom Rogers; 15 Blair Murray.

Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Aaron Wainwright; 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Dan Edwards, 23 Josh Hathaway.