Italy vs Wales: What To Expect From The Hosts?
Having lost their opening match of the 2025 Six Nations away in France, Wales now travel to Italy, looking to record a first win in almost 18 months.
Having only won two non-test matches since the 2023 World Cup, and earning the unwanted accolade of the Wooden Spoon at the Six Nations, Wales are in desperate need of a victory.
Standing in the way of that goal – and the chance of a trophy or two! – are five teams that pose entirely different questions to Wales and Warren Gatland.
What will Wales have to overcome in order to register a first test win since the World Cup and who should be on fans’ radars ahead of each game? Read on to find out!
Italy
Fixture: Stadio Olympico, Rome, 8th February, 14:15
World Ranking: 10th (Wales are 11th)
2024 Six Nations Performance: 5th
DragonBet Odds To Win The Six Nations: 150/1
Head Coach: Gonzalo Quesada
Recent Form:
Italy had an up and down autumn, beating Six Nations hopefuls Georgia in an exciting 20-17 encounter, in between a drubbing from Argentina (18-50) and a tighter match with the All Blacks (11-29).
Italy had one of their best ever Six Nations campaigns in 2024, beating Wales and Scotland as well as almost recording a famous victory over France in Paris. If only Paolo Garbisi had not hit the post…
Star Man: Tommaso Menoncello
Only two Italians have ever won Six Nations player of the tournament: Andrea Masi and Tommaso Menoncello.
Menoncello had an excellent 2024, elevating himself to the top level of performers in a 12 shirt anywhere in the world. His form for Benetton has been at that high level again this campaign and his combination with Nacho Brex is as good as any in the competition.
One To Watch: Mirco Spagnolo
Spagnolo is a modern prop par excellence. His ability to win scrum penalties is well renowned, but what stands the Benetton loosehead out from the crowd is his skill in open play.
Fortunately for Wales, a ban picked up in the Italian derby with Zebre means the 24-year-old will miss the first two rounds of the tournament. Watch out when he comes back, though, for he will be looking to make up for lost time!
Big Miss: Louis Lynagh
The Azzurri will be without Louis Lynagh after the Benetton wing was ruled out of the campaign due to a knee injury.
Lynagh scored a try on a memorable debut for Italy during last year’s campaign and went on to nail down a spot in the starting XV.
With Ange Capuozzo and Monty Ioane still available Italy do have some cover, but Lynagh’s ability will be hard to replace this campaign.
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