Italy vs Wales Preview & Prediction | 2023 Six Nations Championship

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THE FACTS

When is Italy vs Wales on and what time does it start? Italy vs Wales will take place on Saturday 11th March, 2023 – 14:15 (UK)

Where is Italy vs Wales taking place? Italy vs Wales will take place at Stadio Olympico in Rome, Italy

Where can I get tickets for Italy vs Wales? Ticket information for Italy vs Wales can be found on each nation’s official website

What channel is Italy vs Wales on in the UK? Television coverage is shared between BBC and ITV so it is worth checking their schedules for Italy vs Wales

Where can I stream Italy vs Wales in the UK? If televised live on BBC, Italy vs Wales can be streamed live on iPlayer, while ITVX is the place to go if the match is on ITV

THE TEAM NEWS

ITALY

• Italy were beaten for the third game in succession to begin their Six Nations campaign but they were far from embarrassed as they managed to score 20 points against Ireland in their latest contest.
• The Italians have shown plenty with the ball in this year’s competition and will believe they can turn those points into a win here, although they have suffered a big blow with Ange Capuozzo ruled out of the final two matches through injury.

Starting XV: Allan; Padovani, Brex, Menoncello, Bruno; Garbisi, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N. Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, L. Cannone

Replacements: Bigi, Zani, Riccione, Iachizzi, Pettinelli, Zuliani, Fusco, Morisi

WALES

• Wales have endured a tough start to the competition and things could get worse here as they head to Rome to take on Italy in a game that could have big ramifications should they lose.
• After losing to Italy in their final game of last year’s competition, Wales have it all to do here to avoid a repeat with head coach Warren Gatland making big changes once again, most notably Rhys Webb starting at scrum-half in what is his first Six Nations start since 2017.

Starting XV: L. Williams; Adams, Grady, Hawkins, Dyer; O. Williams, Webb; AW. Jones, Owens, Francis, Jenkins, Beard, Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau

Replacements: Baldwin, Thomas, Lewis, Davies, Reffell, T. Williams, North, Rees-Zammit

THE PREDICTION

This is a battle to avoid the wooden spoon as Italy host Wales in a game that could go either way. Historically, Wales would be fancied here but the Italians have shown that they can be a threat with the ball and will hope to ask plenty of questions of the away side. There is continued talk that all is not well behind the scenes in the Welsh camp and having underwhelmed in all three games to date, they could find this tough going and it is worth siding with the Italians to prevail.