Six Nations Super Saturday begins in Cardiff, where Wales will hope to finish a difficult campaign with a flourish against lowly Italy.
Wayne Pivac’s side never looked capable of defending their title during an injury-riddled championship, with only one win - a close triumph over Scotland - on the record and plenty of question marks over the future direction of Welsh rugby.
To their credit, Wales fought valiantly in the second half against England and against Grand Slam-chasers France in round four, but with no results to show for it.
That will surely change against Italy, who produced their own late show against Scotland in Rome last weekend but are guaranteed the wooden spoon yet again.
The Azzurri have still not won a Six Nations match since 2015, a run of 36 successive losses that has once again escalated calls for them to be replaced or relegated.
Wales vs Italy date, kick-off time and venue
Wales vs Italy is scheduled for a 2:15pm GMT kick-off on Saturday March 19, 2022.
The match will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
How to watch Wales vs Italy
TV channel: In the UK, Wales vs Italy will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 1:45pm.
Live stream: Live coverage of the match will also be available online, via the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.
Wales vs Italy team news
Pivac makes seven changes from the side narrowly beaten by France, with influential captain Alun Wyn Jones back from injury to earn his 150th cap and Dan Biggar joining the list of centurions.
In the backline, Gareth Davies, Uilisi Halaholo, Johnny McNicholl and Louis Rees-Zammit all come in, with Dewi Lake and Dillon Lewis promoted to the pack.
Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Tomos Williams, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis and Will Rowlands all make way.
For Italy, Ange Capuozzo makes his first start at full-back after that late brace on debut off the bench versus Scotland, while Marco Fuser comes into the second row.
Edoardo Padovani switches to the right wing, with Pierre Bruno sidelined through injury. Fuser replaces Niccolo Cannone.
Braam Steyn is set for his 50th cap from the bench.
Wales vs Italy lineups
Wales lineup: McNicholl; Rees-Zammit, Watkin, Halaholo, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; Thomas, Lake, Lewis, Beard, AW Jones, S Davies, Navidi, Faletau.
Replacements: Roberts, W Jones, L Brown, Rowlands, Moriarty, Hardy, Sheedy, Tompkins.
Italy lineup: Ange Capuozzo; Edoardo Padovani, Juan Ignacio Brex, Leonardo Marin, Montanna Ioane; Paolo Garbisi, Callum Braley; Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Pietro Ceccarelli, Marco Fuser, Federico Ruzza, Giovanni Pettinelli, Michele Lamaro, Toa Halafihi.
Replacements: Luca Bigi, Cherif Traore, Tiziano Pasquali, David Sisi, Niccolò Cannone, Braam Steyn, Alessandro Fusco, Marco Zanon.
Wales vs Italy prediction
Wales have named a much-changed lineup, though the return of skipper Jones for his latest incredible milestone will give the whole stadium and squad a real lift.
It’s been a forgettable campaign for the hosts, but they will fancy their chances of finishing with an emphatic victory.
Despite flashes of promise and progress under New Zealander Kieran Crowley, it’s been another protracted tale of woe for the Azzurri in the Six Nations.
Another heavy loss no doubt beckons.
Wales to win by 15 points.
Wales vs Italy head to head (h2h) history and results
Wales have won each of the last 16 matches between these two nations, with Italy’s last success coming in Rome in the 2007 Six Nations courtesy of Mauro Bergamasco’s late try.
They also beat Wales in the 2003 edition, while they claimed an 18-all draw in Cardiff in 2006.
Wales vs Italy betting odds
Wales to win: 1/100
Italy to win: 25/1
Draw: 80/1
