Italy vs Wales Six Nations 2025 Preview and Prediction
Italy welcome Wales in a contest labelled by former Welsh outside-half Dan Biggar as “the most important Welsh rugby game for 15-20 years”. Warren Gatland's men head to the Italian capital off the back of 13 consecutive test match defeats.”
The repercussions could be enormous for Gatland’s Wales side who were nilled by France last time out (the first time in 6 Nations history Wales have succumbed to this fate), it feels as though this weekend may be make or break for the New Zealanders second spell as head coach.
On the other hand, Gonzalo Quesada’s Italian side will come into their first home fixture of 2025 after a battling defeat in Scotland last weekend.
Looking to further build on a best 6 Nations tournament last time out, the Italians picking up two wins and a draw in Paris. Including a win in Cardiff against Wales.
A shift in superiority?
It was once a formality that Wales would stroll into the Italian contest and come out with a win and commonly a handsome one. A 14-year winning streak was abruptly ended by Ange Cappuozo’s magic feet which sent Eduardo Padovani under the posts at the Principality Stadium in 2022.
That victory brought tears of joy, possibly surprise, to Paolo Garbisi’s eyes after the Italian 10 sealed the victory with his conversion in added time. However, this time round, were Italy to not come away with a win on home soil it would be deemed by many as a failure.
2 wins in Cardiff sandwiched by a Welsh result in Rome lead Quesada’s men to be comfortable favorites on Saturday.
Selection Information
Wales will be without centre Owen Watkin who looks to have suffered a season ending injury, whilst back row Aaron Wainwright suffered a gash but is fit enough to be on the bench. Evergreen Taulupe Faletau returns at 8. Italy make one change from last time out.
Italy
1) Danilo Fischetti, 2) Giacamo Nicotera, 3) Simone Ferrari, 4) Nicolo Cannone, 5) Federico Ruzza, 6) Sebastian Negri, 7) Michele Lamaro (Captain), 8)Lorenzo Cannone, 9) Martin Page-Relo, 10) Paolo Garbisi, 11) Monty Ioane, 12) Tommaso Menoncello, 13) Ignacio Brex, 14) Ange Cappuozzo, 15) Tommaso Allan
16) Gianmarco Lucchesi, 17) Luca Rizzoli, 18) Marco Riccione, 19) Dino Lamb, 20) Manuel Zuilani, 21) Ross Vintcent, 22) Alessandro Garbisi, 23) Jacopo Trulla
Wales
1) Gareth Thomas, 2) Evan Lloyd, 3) Henry Thomas, 4) Will Rowlands, 5) Dafydd Jenkins, 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) Liam Williams
16) Elliot Dee, 17) Nicky Smith, 18) Keiron Assiratti, 19) Freddie Thomas, 20) Aaron Wainwright, 21) Rhodri Williams, 22) Dan Edwards, 23) Blaire Murray
Players to watch
Italy – Tomasso Menoncello
Last year's player of the tournament is a triple threat at 12, with his kick, pass and running games all being complimented with a strong relationship with Ignacio Brex outside him. Watch out for him off set pieces in Rome.
Wales – Eddie James
Scarlets James’ will be directly up against Menoncello and look to put his stamp on proceedings with his directness at 12. The 22-year-old is making his debut in the competition and is a player of real excitement in Welsh rugby. His hard running and soft hands will be important should Wales go well in Rome.
Prediction – Will Warren-ball bail-out Gatland?
A must win for Gatland, a should win for the Azzurri. Wales will come into this with a point to prove. Failure to do so could see Cymru favourite for consecutive wooden spoons and staring down the barrel at another lowest ever world ranking in twelfth.
Front foot ball will be more apparent for Wales you’d think in Rome, with the set pic piece going relatively well in Paris. However. for Italy, settled combinations and continuity in selection could be key in claiming a third win in four against Wales.
Score Prediction
Italy 25-27 Wales.
Where to watch
Live on BBC One and S4C. BBC coverage starts at 1:45, whilst S4C commences at 1:30.