Wales vs Italy Preview & Prediction | 2026 Six Nations Championship | Round 5
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Wales seek to end another poor Six Nations campaign on a positive note when they entertain Italy in Cardiff.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC & Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – BBC’s digital platforms & Premier Player / USA – Peacock
Wales form: Can they end their losing streak?
Another miserable Six Nations comes to an end for Wales, who have now lost their last 15 matches in a tournament they were champions of just five years ago.
A home match against Italy is perhaps their best chance of breaking that duck though, especially after they delivered a much-improved display in their 27-17 defeat to Ireland in Dublin last week.
Last five: LLLLL
Italy form: Landmark win over England
Having said that, Italy are within touching distance of recording three wins in a Six Nations campaign for the first time in their history.
Having previously beaten Scotland in their opener, the Azzurri registered their first ever victory over England in Rome last weekend, coming from 18-10 down to inflict a 23-18 defeat on Steve Borthwick's side.
Last five: WWLLW
Wales team news: Unchanged
Squad: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, Hawkins, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Francis, D Jenkins, Carter, Mann, Botham, Wainwright
Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, Beard, Cracknell, Hardy, J Evans, Murray
Italy team news: Three changes
Squad: Pani; Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Hasa, N Cannone, Ruzza, Lamaro (capt), Zuliani, L Cannone
Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Favretto, Odiase, Varney, Marin, Allan
Wales vs Italy prediction
It is a little over three years to the day since Wales last won a match in the Six Nations, which incidentally came against Italy. Since then, the once-great rugby nation has been on a much-publicised downward spiral.
Ordinarily, this home fixture against the traditional weakest side in the Six Nations would look like a plum fixture for Wales, but Italy are enjoying arguably their best tournament since they joined the tournament at the turn of the century.
There were some positives for Wales last week in their defeat to Ireland though, and if they can play with the same intense physicality here, they are certainly capable of overturning the visitors.
Wales have struggled especially in front of their home fans though, and we're expecting a buoyant Italy to break new ground here.
Wales vs Italy tip: Italy to win
