Wales v Italy LIVE: Result and reaction from Six Nations as brilliant Azzurri stun struggling hosts
Wales 21-24 Italy: The Azzurri outclassed Wales to seal a best-ever Six Nations campaign of two wins and a draw
Wales slipped to a dismal end to a testing Six Nations campaign as a spirited and resurgent Italy impressed in Cardiff to win 24-21 in the first of three fascinating contests to round out the 2024 championship.
Warren Gatland’s side had the emotional factor of George North playing his final game for his country after announcing his shock retirement following 120 caps but an appalling first half saw them trail the Azzurri 11-0 at the break.
Lorenzo Pani added to their woe with a gorgeous solo score after the break and a couple of penalties put them out of sight before Will Rowlands and Mason Grady grabbed consolation tries at the death, although it couldn’t stop Wales slipping to a deserved wooden spoon.
The hosts had been hoping to snap a poor run in the Six Nations but have claimed just two wins from the last 16 games, while the Azzurri have fresh optimism of a great era after securing their best-ever Six Nations campaign with two wins and a draw.
Relive all the action
Wales 0-18 Italy, 58 minutes
In at the side! Federico Ruzza belies his height with a fine jackal and gets crunched on either hit as a desperate Welsh cleanout crew infringe at the ruck. Mathieu Raynal’s whistle brings another home attack to a close.
Wales 0-18 Italy, 57 minutes
Is this it? Wales go direct, Mason Grady rocking back Michele Lamaro in his carry and Tomos Williams sniping through the space left adjacent to the ruck. Will Rowlands makes his presence known out wide on the left.
Wales 0-18 Italy, 55 minutes
Three minutes tick by with little action in earnest, which suits Italy rather more. than their hosts. Wales need a spark.
Wales 0-18 Italy, 52 minutes
Will Rowlands bulks up the Welsh pack, making progress with their first three carries into the Italy 22.
But as has been the case throughout this game, the effort isn’t sustained. Cameron Winnett is slightly isolated as he takes contact and Juan Ignacio Brex scavenges smartly. A ninth penalty against the hosts, who have now come away with zero points from six visits to the Italy 22.
Wales 0-18 Italy, 51 minutes
Here come three Italian replacements: Martin Page-Relo on at scrum half, Giosue Zilocchi the tighthead and Ross Vintcent into the back row. Off go Stephen Varney, Simone Ferrari and Lorenzo Cannone.
Wales 0-18 Italy, 50 minutes
Of course they can’t. A midfield misfire from Mason Grady, a ball on the floor, and then a high tackle for good measure, too. Not the impact that Warren Gatland would have wanted from the Cardiff centre.
Wales 0-18 Italy, 49 minutes
Wales win a kickable near halfway, but such is the hole their in that they choose to go to touch. Or, at least, that is the intention - not for the first time this afternoon, Sam Costelow fails to find the sideline with his punt. It’s poor from the fly half, really poor.
Wales will have a lineout to throw, though, with the Italian clearance reasonably shallow. Can they produce something to give the home crowd some encouragement?
Wales 0-18 Italy, 48 minutes
What riches Italy have in their outside back division. Lorenzo Pani is some way down the pecking order with everyone fit but that was a simply brilliant finish.
Wales go to their bench, and some bulk - Nick Tompkins, who has had an outing to forget, is replaced by Mason Grady.
TRY! Wales 0-18 ITALY (Lorenzo Pani, 47 minutes)
Magnifico!
That is a thing of beauty from Italy and Lorenzo Pani! All of the backs are involved at the line, each Welsh defender hung, drawn and quartered with Juan Ignacio Brex predictably the pivot and Paolo Garbisi and Monty Ioane looping out of the back.
Ioane thunders on and finds his full-back, who really is some athlete. Lorenzo Pani strides away from the cover defenders and inside the last would-be tackler for a sensational score. Paolo Garbisi converts!
Wales 0-11 Italy, 44 minutes
Lovely interplay from Wales! Cameron Winnett drives at the line and then whips a pass across the face of a couple of Italian defenders to Rio Dyer, who motors along the touchline. Tomos Williams’ cheat supporting line is excellent, and onwards Wales go.
But not for long! Sam Costelow goes it alone and then Nick Tompkins likewise, Adam Beard’s desperate attempt to help the centre out with a hurried clearout resulting in a neck roll.
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