Wales vs Italy LIVE: Latest score and updates as hosts seek long-awaited Six Nations win against Azzurri

14 mins: Excellent play from Ellis Mee as he shifts the ball across the field.

Italy apply pressure with a kick behind the defence, but Mee and Rees-Zammit clear it. Mee then chases down the ball to earn a penalty after Alessandro Fusco fails to secure it.

Wales opt to kick to the 22.

11 mins: Italy are handed a penalty after Mee spills a high ball just outside his 22 and Mann collects it from an offside position, giving away an easy chance.

The Italians opt for the sensible choice and go for the posts – Garbisi’s kick goes wide of the right post.

8 mins: Wales probe the Italian defence, but a turnover from Lorenzo Cannone allows Menoncello and Ioane to break free.

The Welsh quickly regroup and regain possession inside their 22 earning a penalty to ease the pressure.

Italy will likely be frustrated that they didn’t capitalise on that opportunity.

5 mins: Josh Adams receives treatment following a clash in the air. Blair Murray is on standby if required, but Adams is able to carry on.

Both sides have had a messy start to the game.

2 mins: A turnover sparks the home crowd and Rees-Zammit drives Wales into Italian territory.

Rhys Carre, now a fan favourite, powers forward as Wales mount a strong attack only for possession to be lost just outside Italy’s 22.

English referee Christophe Ridley signals the start, and Italy’s fly-half Paolo Garbisi kicks us off.

The teams are walking onto the pitch at the Principality Stadium and it is time for the national anthems.

“Il Canto degli Italiani” followed by “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”.

For Wales, much of the attention will fall on loosehead prop Rhys Carre, the “Rhys Bielle-Carre” viral star who currently leads the side in tries during this campaign.

Captain Dewi Lake continues to be the driving force in the Welsh pack, while the pace and attacking flair of Louis Rees-Zammit make him a dangerous weapon out wide.

For Italy, fly-half Paolo Garbisi will be central to their creativity in attack and captain Michele Lamaro’s work at the breakdown could play a major role if the visitors are to repeat their success in Cardiff.

Referee: Christophe Ridley (Eng)

Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (Eng) & Eoghan Cross (Ire)

Television Match Official: Mike Adamson (Sco)

Foul Play Review Officer: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Tommaso Menoncello already has one Six Nations Player of the Tournament award in his trophy cabinet, won in 2024 with the help of a fan vote. He’s probably been, an off-day against Ireland aside, in better form in this campaign and that sort of individual honour could follow again depending on results elsewhere today.

Italy, of course, are seeking more history – a third win in this Six Nations would mark a high for the side since their introduction in 2000.