Match Overview
Courtney Keight scored one of Wales' tries in Cardiff.
Tries: Keight, Cox, Jones, Powell Cons: Bevan 2
Tries: Ostuni Minuzzi 2, Granzotto, D'Inca 2, Sgorbini Cons: Sillari 4
Wales endured another Six Nations whitewash following their defeat to Italy, extending their winless streak to a record nine Tests.
With three tries apiece, the match was tightly contested at halftime. However, mirroring last year's conclusion in Parma, Italy pulled away from a deflated Welsh side in the second half.
Wales' tries came from Courtney Keight, Carys Cox, and Kelsey Jones, countering efforts from Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Francesca Granzotto, and Alyssa D'Inca. Keira Bevan's conversions gave Wales a narrow lead.
After the break, Italy's dominance became evident as Ostuni Minuzzi scored her second try, followed by tries from Francesca Sgorbini and Veronica Madia.
Kayleigh Powell scored a late consolation try for Wales, but Italy claimed victory in Cardiff, marking a fitting farewell to legendary lock Valeria Fedrighi.
This marked Italy's second win of the campaign, reflecting their ongoing improvement, while Wales face scrutiny after securing an unprecedented third consecutive Wooden Spoon.
Questions are also being raised about Wales head coach Sean Lynn, who has won only one of 15 Tests since his appointment.
Match Details
Following a disappointing performance in Belfast the previous weekend, Lynn challenged his players, stating they had
"80 minutes to fix it".
However, Italy took the lead within three minutes, exploiting defensive gaps to create an overlap for Ostuni Minuzzi on the right wing.
Wales responded quickly, maintaining possession among their forwards before releasing Keight, who powered over for a try.
Shortly after leveling the score, a loose kick from Lleucu George was charged down by returning wing Granzotto, who sprinted over 50 metres to score.
Wales regained momentum and appeared to execute a line-out move resulting in Cox scoring, despite initial concerns about a dropped ball. The officials confirmed the try stood.
Italy's third try was a well-executed effort, with Michela Sillari setting up D'Inca.
Wales remained competitive and, unlike previous matches where they conceded just before halftime, scored again through a well-worked driving maul, with Jones grounding the ball.
Bevan's conversion put Wales ahead by two points at halftime, echoing their position in last year's Parma match before Italy pulled away to secure a record score.
Second Half Developments
Although the second half promised a closer contest, Italy's superior fitness and strategy wore down Wales.
Italy struck first after the break with an unstoppable driving maul, allowing Sgorbini to claim the bonus-point try.
Wales faced immediate pressure from the restart as Italy won a penalty and kicked deep into Welsh territory. Despite improved resistance, Ostuni Minuzzi scored her second try.
After falling 10 points behind, Wales gained a numerical advantage when Granzotto received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. However, Wales failed to capitalize as their attack faltered.
Italy extended their lead with a break down the left wing, enabling player of the match Madia to score.
Adding to Wales' difficulties, D'Inca finished a well-executed move near the end, pushing Italy's score beyond 40 points.
Wales concluded the scoring with a try from Powell, one of the few bright spots in their campaign.
Team Lineups
Wales: Powell; Singleton, Cox, Keight, J. Joyce; George, Bevan; Pyrs, K. Jones, Tuipulotu, Metcalfe, Evans, Aiono, Lewis (capt), King.
Replacements: Reardon, Davies, Rose, John, A. Joyce, Lockwood, Dallavalle, Prothero
Italy: Ostuni Minuzzi; Granzotto, Sillari, Mannini, D'Incà; Madia, Stefan; Turani, Vecchini, Maris, Fedrighi, Duca, Sgorbini, Ranuccini, Giordano (capt).
Replacements: Cheli, Zanette, Dosi, Frangipani, Veronese, Bitonci, Stevanin, Muzzo.
