Warren Gatland: Wales cannot hide away from importance of Six Nations showdown with Italy
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 13-3 Wales, 29 mins
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.
Ciara Fearn8 February 2025 14:52
Italy 10-3 Wales, 25 mins
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.
Ciara Fearn8 February 2025 14:48
Italy 10-3 Wales, 19 mins
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.
Ciara Fearn8 February 2025 14:44
Italy 3-3 Wales, 17 mins
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.
Ciara Fearn8 February 2025 14:37
Italy 3-0 Wales, 15 mins
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
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.
Ciara Fearn8 February 2025 14:26
Italy 0-0 Wales, 4 mins
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.
Ciara Fearn8 February 2025 14:21
KICK-OFF! Italy 0-0 Wales
And we’re off here in Rome at rainy Stadio Olimpico!
Ciara Fearn8 February 2025 14:18
Gonzalo Quesada: Italy prepare for a ‘big battle’
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.”
Ciara Fearn8 February 2025 14:11
Italy vs Wales
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?
Harry Latham-Coyle8 February 2025 14:05
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