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 0-6 Italy, 16 minutes
Tommaso Menoncello sets a platform in typically fierce fashion, allowing the rest of the Italian backs to sweep around to the openside and test the right of the Welsh defensive line. But once more it is the battle at the breakdown that is proving brutal, Elliot Dee this time the man leaping to his feet with both ball and penalty. Mathieu Raynal’s whistle has been busy so far.
Wales 0-6 Italy, 14 minutes
Dillon Lewis earns Wales an immediate chance at a reply, a hefty hit on Michele Lamaro leaving the Italian captain ripe for a jackal. Hang on, though - Mathieu Raynal has called Dafydd Jenkins over for a chat...and it appears Lewis’ hit might have been in vain, Rio Dyer obstructing an Italian clearer and pinged instead.
PENALTY! Wales 0-6 ITALY (Paolo Garbisi, 14 minutes)
Another good’un from the tee from Paolo Garbisi. Just right of centre, 35 metres out - posts bisected.
Wales 0-3 Italy, 12 minutes
Lorenzo Pani is a really impressive specimen, quick and strong and fending off a would-be Welsh tackler to escape his own 22. But his stumble is untimely and Tommy Reffell bundles him over the touchline - Wales can launch again from the lineout.
Rio Dyer is their thruster this time, boshed back by a pair of Italian forwards lurking to Paolo Garbisi’s inside. Italy bring the linespeed thereafter, DIllon Lewis taken low and the next couple of carriers too. A loose pass allows Italy to pour through, a hack ahead picked up by George North just as the blue sea swallows him up. Holding on; Italy’s penalty.
Wales 0-3 Italy, 10 minutes
Taken at the tail by Adam Beard and then it is out into midfield for Nick Tompkins, using his footwork and burl to make metres in a typically spunky manner. But Italy once more get joy at the ruck, pinching paws successful again to prevent Wales building.
Monty Ioane’s kick deflects into touch off Josh Adams. Italy’s lineout ball inside their own half, which Stephen Varney eventually box kicks beyond halfway.
Wales 0-3 Italy, 9 minutes
Penalty to Wales as Italy fail to vacate a ruck hastily enough on the wide right. Wales will kick down into Italy’s half.
Wales 0-3 Italy, 8 minutes
Neat from Wales but the bounce is unkind! This has been a frisky little start, Wales showing off some variety with a delicate dab over the top of the defence nearly working perfectly for two chasers, Tomos Williams’ chip evading both Rio Dyer and Sam Costelow. Italy smother and clear.
PENALTY! Wales 0-3 ITALY (Paolo Garbisi, 7 minutes)
A considered approach and then an acceleration into the ball from Paolo Garbisi, who slots a simple starter in comfort. Italy take the first lead of the afternoon.
Wales 0-0 Italy, 5 minutes
A scintillating break up the right but Wales pinch it on the floor! Italy sear the left edge of the Welsh defence, Stephen Varney connecting with Louis Lynagh after neat hands from Juan Ignacio Brex, but Nick Tompkins jackals superbly to save his side’s bacon.
Not for long, though - an infringement on the floor from a Welsh carrier, holding on, and Italy will have first crack at opening their account.
Wales 0-0 Italy, 3 minutes
There’s clear appetite from both sides to play with tempo, Wales taking a lineout quickly twice so far. Tomos Williams puts his latest hoist on the money, allowing Rio Dyer to beat a pair of blue shirts to the ball.
Bright attack from Wales to start, but Aaron Wainwright’s tip-on at the line is too hot for Dillon Lewis to handle - it looked like Wainwright may have actually been trying to pull the ball back behind the prop, but a knock on will mean an Italian scrum.
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