Italy will be looking to claim another upset victory over the Welsh when the two sides clash at the Stadio Olimpico this Saturday.
Italy v Wales
Saturday 11 March
14:15 GMT
Stadio Olimpico
To Win
Italy 1/1 | Draw 22/1 | Wales 4/5
Handicap
Italy (+1.5) 5/6 | Wales (-1.5) 87/100
The Italians have been pretty competitive during this year’s Six Nations, going down 24-29 to neighbours France in Round 1, 34-21 to England at Twickenham in Round 2 and then 20-34 to tournament leaders Ireland in Round 3. While they haven’t been that assured defensively, the Italians have managed to make a fist of things in their fixtures due to the drastic improvement of their attack.
While their backline has impressed, their forward pack has been key to allowing the backs to flourish. Their lineout, in particular, has been highly impressive with lock Federico Ruzza currently leading the lineouts, having won 22 at the set piece.
While Italy have been impressive in defeat, the Welsh have been anything but, going down 10-34 to Ireland in their opener, 35-7 to Scotland in Round 2 and then 10-20 to England in Round 3.
They are struggling to score points and averaging less than ten-points per game while conceding at an average rate of just under 30 points per game. While some pundits are pointing to their 10-20 Round 3 loss to England as a sign of improvement, it must be noted that England are struggling and they’re far from a yard stick side.
I fancy the hosts to get another win over the Welsh here. They’ve been decent against the big guns this term and reckon they may well take this struggling Welsh outfit to task.
Italy on even money here.
