Jack Wilkinson
Wales lose to Italy in successive Six Nations matches for first time as alarming slump plunges to new depths; Ange Capuozzo try and five Tommaso Allan penalties earn Italy deserved victory, defeat could spell consecutive wooden spoons for Wales and have ramifications for Warren Gatland
Last Updated: 08/02/25 4:21pm
Wales slumped to another disappointing loss
Wales fell to a record-extending 14th defeat in a row as Italy piled the pressure on Warren Gatland with a 22-15 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
It was billed the biggest match in a generation for Welsh rugby, but Gatland and his players failed to rise the occasion in sodden conditions consistent with their slump towards successive Six Nations wooden spoons.
A superbly finished Ange Capuozzo first-half try and a flurry of Tommaso Allan penalties saw Italy establish a 19-3 lead with 11 minutes remaining.
Aaron Wainwright’s late try threatened to spark a Wales comeback, but hope was snuffed out by Allan’s fifth penalty, with Italy still able to prevail as winners despite conceding a late penalty try and ending the match with 13 players.
The defeat – Wales’ first in Rome since 2007 – marks the lowest ebb of the decline of Welsh rugby during Gatland’s second tenure in charge and could have huge ramifications for his future as head coach.
More to follow…
What’s next?
The Six Nations pauses for a fallow week, after which Wales host Ireland in Cardiff on February 22 (kick-off 2.15pm), with Italy welcoming France to Rome on February 23 (kick-off 3pm).