Italy closed out a remarkably positive Guinness Six Nations campaign with a second consecutive victory, this time defeating Wales. 

Leading 11-0 at halftime, courtesy of two Paolo Garbisi penalties and a try to Monte Ioane, the Azzurri were on their way to another famous day in Cardiff.

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Edging the territory stakes, Gonzalo Quesada’s side pinned the hosts back into their own half and forced them into a state of ill-discipline.

Starting the second half as it did the first, Italy scored the first try of the second half through Lorenzo Pani to take a commanding 18-0 lead.

Wales finally got on the board through hooker Elliot Dee to get a foothold in the fixture.

Unfortunately for the hosts, this would be as positive as it would get, as Garbisi slotted two long-range penalties to essentially end the contest at 24-7.

Wales ended with two consolation tries through second row Will Rowlands and Mason Grady, but it was too little too late, as the match ended 24-21.

Compounding the negative ending for Warren Gatland’s side was the retiring George North, who was assisted off the pitch with an injury. That was a cruel ending to an all-time test career.

The win leaves Italy with two victories and a draw for its efforts to confirm the major strides the team has made over the past few years.

For Wales, the loss cements the Welsh at the bottom of the table and brings to an end a winless 2024 Six Nations Championship.

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