The Italy vs Wales game has always been considered a physical contest, and the latest game between these two teams is no exception. Wales, who have hopes of winning this year’s Six Nations title, will be looking to maintain their winning form against an Italian team that is still in search of its first win of the campaign.
The two sides have met on 28 occasions with Wales winning 23 and Italy victorious just five times. Wales have an impressive scoring record against Italy, having scored 856 points to Italy’s 378 in their head-to-head games. However, every game is different, and Italy is looking to cause an upset and get their first win of the tournament.
Last time these two teams met in the Six Nations, Wales won the game 42-0. However, Italy has come a long way since that game, and the 2021 edition will be a completely different encounter. The Italian side has shown some improvements in their play and have been more competitive against the other teams in this year’s tournament.
Wales, on the other hand, has been in great form and is currently unbeaten in the tournament. They have so far defeated Ireland, Scotland, and England, and will be aiming to maintain their impressive form against Italy. If they win this game, they will be clear favorites to win the Six Nations, with only France standing in their way in the final game of the tournament.
Wales has made just one change to their starting team, with George North shifting from wing to center to replace the injured Jonathan Davies. North’s move to center brings Louis Rees-Zammit back into the starting lineup after he was rested against England. Wales’ back three, featuring Leigh Halfpenny, Josh Adams, and Rees-Zammit, has been one of the best in the tournament, and Wales will look to use them to great effect against Italy.
Italy, on the other hand, has made several changes to their side after their defeat to Ireland. Tomasso Allan replaces Paolo Garbisi at fly-half, while Federico Mori replaces Juan Ignacio Brex at inside center. Marco Zanon is also back in the team to replace Federico Favaro at outside center. Italy has also made some changes to their pack, with Danilo Fischetti, Marco Riccioni, and Federico Ruzza all returning to the starting line-up.
Italy has struggled to score tries in the tournament, with just two scored in their last three games. They will need to improve this aspect of their game if they are to have any chance of success against Wales. The Italian defense will also need to be at their very best, as they will be facing a team that has scored 113 points in the tournament so far.
The game will also see two of the best scrum-halves in the world going head-to-head. Gareth Davies has been in excellent form for Wales, while Italy’s Stephen Varney has been one of the standout players in the tournament. The battle between these two players could be a key factor in deciding the outcome of the game.
In addition to the on-field action, there will be plenty of off-field drama as well. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that the game will be played behind closed doors, with no fans in attendance. This will be a strange experience for the players, who are used to playing in front of packed stadiums.
In conclusion, the Italy vs Wales game promises to be an exciting encounter. Wales will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run and take a step closer to winning the Six Nations, while Italy will be looking to cause an upset and get their first win of the campaign. With both teams making changes to their starting lineups and plenty of off-field drama, this game is sure to be an interesting one. Fans will be eagerly watching to see who will emerge victorious in what promises to be a thrilling clash.