Tandy has selected an unchanged XV for the first time in his nine matches in charge, hoping continuity will help Wales finally end an awful run in the championship.
The side have yet to record a victory in this year’s tournament and risk a third consecutive winless campaign unless they defeat the Italians - who are clear favourites with bookmakers DragonBet - in Cardiff.
Recent displays have at least provided some encouragement. Wales produced improved performances against Scotland and Ireland, particularly in Dublin last weekend, prompting Tandy to maintain the same combination for the finale.
READ MORE: Steve Tandy Tastes Defeat Again But Wales' Progress Sweetens the Medicine
Dan Edwards retains the fly-half role with Sam Costelow still unavailable because of an ankle injury, while Louis Rees-Zammit continues to operate from full-back.
The forward pack that stood up well physically against Ireland also remains unchanged as it prepares to take on an Italian side that has impressed during the tournament.
Number eight Aaron Wainwright has been declared fit despite dealing with a leg issue earlier in the week, allowing Wales to keep the same starting group intact.
READ MORE: Steve Tandy Admits Wales' Targets Have not Changed Ahead of Ireland Test
"Having an unchanged team reflects the cohesion and the consistency in the group and the consistency of performance out in Ireland," said Tandy.
The only adjustment to the matchday 23 comes among the replacements, where Blair Murray replaces Bath back Louie Hennessey, who made his international debut in the 27-17 defeat to Ireland.
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Wales enter the final round having lost all four matches so far in the competition and are trying to end a dismal 15-game losing sequence in the Six Nations.
They are also chasing their first home victory against Italy since 2020 and their first Six Nations win at the Principality Stadium since beating Scotland in February 2022.
Avoiding a third straight last-place finish would require a dramatic turnaround: Wales would need to defeat Italy by 50 points while hoping France record a similarly emphatic victory over England.
Despite the challenge, Tandy believes his team have been gradually building momentum during the championship.
"This week we need to go up another level," said Tandy.
"We've had some good performances. There were parts against France, then we built up into the Scotland game where I thought we were very good.
"Against Ireland we stepped up to the plate physically. Now it's putting it all together and creating our best performance this weekend."
The return to Cardiff is also something Tandy believes could inspire his players after several encouraging displays away from home.
"For the team and myself, going back to Principality Stadium is amazing," said Tandy.
"The boys did well creating their own energy against Ireland, but there's nothing better than being at home.
"The boys reference in meetings what the Scotland game meant to them, as well as the matches against France and New Zealand.
"The fans have been incredible and I think they're behind the team and the team are putting in performances to represent our nation."
Wales team v Italy – Guinness Six Nations |
15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears | Bryste – 39 caps)
14. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 7 caps)
13. Eddie James (Scarlets – 8 caps)
12. Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 10 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 69 caps)
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys | Gweilch – 10 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 71 caps)
1. Rhys Carre (Saracens | Saraseniaid – 27 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys | Gweilch – 30 caps) captain | capten
3. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 81 caps)
4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs | Caerwysg – 30 caps)
5. Ben Carter (Dragons | Dreigiau – 18 caps)
6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 15 caps)
7. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 20 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons | Dreigiau – 66 caps)
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 47 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers | Caerlŷr – 62 caps)
18. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby | Caerfaddon – 15 caps)
19. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 64 caps)
20. Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers | Caerlŷr – 4 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys | Gweilch – 30 caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 16 caps)
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 15 caps)
