By Kasey Rees
The 2025 Guinness Six Nations championship is well underway and after a whitewash defeat in Paris last week, Wales will be looking to avoid another loss.
Warren Gatland’s men are striving to put behind them what happened against France and aim to record their first win of the tournament – and first in 13 matches – against Italy in Rome.
Italy have proven they won’t roll over easily, though, having got their tournament off to a strong start despite losing to Scotland at Murrayfield.
There have been some fantastic matches between the Azzurri and Wales over the years and here is a reminder of some of those classics.
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2000: Italy 16 – Wales 47
This was the year Italy joined the five established nations, making it the Six Nations for the first time.
Wales recorded a comfortable win in Rome, with Neil Jenkins kicking 27-points within his world record of 966.
Shane Williams claimed a try on his debut, and Scott Quinnell made a big contribution with the ball in hand.
Wales went on to finish their first ever Six Nations in fourth place under Graham Henry.
2007: Italy 23- Wales 20
Italy recorded their second ever win over Wales, and claimed an historic two wins in the tournament for the first time.
The home side were up 13-7 at half-time. Shane Williams crossed, along with Matthew Rees and James Hook, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Azzurri.
Italy was able to secure a home victory in Rome with Mauro Bergamasco scoring a beautiful 77th minute try to snatch a late win.
2015: Italy 20 – Wales 61
This was a thumping win for Wales as Italy were exposed defensively in front of their own fans.
George North helped himself to a hat-trick of tries, while Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams, Scott Williams, Rhys Webb and Sam Warburton also crossed the line.
This was the year the title was decided by points difference with Ireland and England battling it out with Wales on the final day.
All three had handsome victories, but Ireland clinched the title even though Wales’ 41-point margin of victory was their biggest winning margin over Italy, surpassing the previous record of 39.
2022: Wales 21 – Italy 22
Italy clinched a historic win in Cardiff, it was the first time the Italians had won on Welsh soil.
The defeat marked the beginning of the end for former Wales coach Wayne Pivac, as Italy beat Wales for the first time since 2007.
It looked as if Wales had secured victory thanks to second-half tries from Dewi Lake and Josh Adams, only for Edoardo Padovani to crash over with one minute on the clock after stunning work from Ange Capuozzo on his first start.
All the focus before the game had been on Alun Wyn Jones winning his 150th cap and Dan Biggar making the century mark, but few celebrated at the final whistle.
2024: Wales 21 – Italy 24
Another forgettable day for Wales – this time under Warren Gatland – but credit should go to Italy, who were fantastic to watch.
Wales were in transition, having lost Dan Biggar, Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric, and simply couldn’t cope..
It was match in which Italy proved that they no longer had to nick results, they could earn them. They held with an 11-0 lead at half-time and although Wales eventually fought back, they left it too late.
The high-flying Italians ended the tournament on 11 points, following two wins and a draw; their best ever performance in the Six Nations.
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