| Italy (3) 17 |
| Tries: Negri, Brex Cons: Allan 2 Pens: Allan |
| Wales (22) 29 |
| Tries: Dyer, L Williams, Penalty try, Faletau Cons: O Williams 2 Pens: O Williams |
Wales withstood a late Italy fightback to register their first win of a troubled Six Nations in Rome.
Returning scrum-half Rhys Webb inspired the victory as Warren Gatland’s side triumphed in the basement battle to lift Wales to fifth in the table.
Scores from Rio Dyer, Liam Williams, Taulupe Faletau and a penalty try sealed the bonus-point win while Owen Williams kicked nine points.
Italy responded with tries from Sebastian Negri and Juan Ignacio Brex.
The Azzurri’s 10-year wait for a home Six Nations win continues after suffering a 25th successive tournament defeat in Rome.
Italy proved masters of their own downfall against a streetwise Wales outfit.
The home side suffered a yellow card in each half and Italy’s encouraging, inventive attacks were thwarted by their own poor handling mistakes.
It was a welcome first victory for Gatland in his second stint in charge of Wales after returning in the role in December 2022 when he replaced fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac.
Gatland also maintained his perfect record as Wales coach against Italy with a 12th successive win.
Wales avenged the 2022 defeat by Italy in Cardiff as they celebrated a first Six Nations win in seven attempts.
It was also a first victory for captain Ken Owens in his new role following defeats against Ireland, Scotland and England.
Wales will be relieved after coming into the game with 12 defeats in the last 15 matches.
Gatland’s side now travel to face France in Paris next Saturday in the tournament finale, while Italy play Scotland in Edinburgh.
More follows.
Italy: Allan; Padovani, Brex, Menoncello, Bruno; Garbisi, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (capt), L Cannone.
Replacements: Bigi, Zani, Riccione, Lachizzi, Pettinelli, Zuliani, Fusco, Morisi.
Wales: L Williams; Adams, Grady, Hawkins, Dyer; O Williams, Webb; Wyn Jones, Owens (capt), Francis, Jenkins, Beard, Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau.
Replacements: Baldwin, Thomas, Lewis, R Davies, Reffell, T Williams, North, Rees-Zammit.
Match officials
Referee: Damon Murphy (Australia)
Touch judges: Karl Dickson (England) & Chris Busby (Ireland)
TMO: Joy Neville (Ireland)
