Italy head to Cardiff with confidence and genuine belief as they face Wales in the final round of the Six Nations at the Principality Stadium (kick-off 18:40 SAST, referee Christophe Ridley).
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While Wales are simply looking to salvage pride after a difficult campaign, Italy arrive with momentum following their historic win over England in Rome last weekend. Gonzalo Quesada’s side have also beaten Scotland in this year’s tournament, underlining the clear upward trajectory of Italian rugby.
The Azzurri’s attack has looked increasingly polished, with Paolo Garbisi controlling the tempo at flyhalf and the midfield pairing of Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello providing both creativity and physicality. Out wide, Monty Ioane and Louis Lynagh bring genuine finishing threat.
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Up front, captain Michele Lamaro leads a pack that has consistently competed at the breakdown, with the Cannone brothers adding physical presence in the tight exchanges.
Wales will hope that home support in Cardiff can lift them, with Dewi Lake captaining the side and Louis Rees-Zammit providing attacking spark from the backfield. However, their defensive structure has struggled throughout the championship.
Italy’s growing confidence, combined with Wales’ inconsistency, makes the visitors an appealing play on the handicap market.
Prediction: Italy by 7
Value bet: Italy -3.5 @1.87
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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