Italy’s national rugby team has arrived in Cardiff ahead of their final match of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations, with the Azzurri touching down at Cardiff Airport on Thursday afternoon.
The squad landed in the Welsh capital to prepare for their Super Saturday clash against Wales at the Principality Stadium this weekend, with fans and airport staff welcoming the visiting side to the city.
The match on Saturday 14 March, kicking off at 4.40pm, will see Wales host Italy in the first fixture of the tournament’s dramatic final day. The game will be broadcast on S4C in Wales and across the UK on the BBC, while BBC Radio 5 Live will provide live commentary.
Italy arrive in Cardiff in confident mood following their historic 23 to 18 victory over England in round four of the championship. The win has given the Azzurri momentum heading into their final match as they chase what could be a record third victory in a single Six Nations campaign.
The Italian side have never previously won more than two matches in one championship season, achieving that milestone in 2007, 2013 and again in 2024. Victory in Cardiff would therefore mark their most successful Six Nations campaign to date.
Defensively, Italy have also impressed during this year’s tournament. With just 86 points conceded so far, they are already on course to record their best defensive performance in the competition’s history. If they keep Wales to 34 points or fewer on Saturday, they will set a new benchmark for their lowest points conceded in a single championship.
Wales, meanwhile, are searching for a turnaround after suffering a 15th consecutive Six Nations defeat following their loss to Ireland last weekend. Despite some encouraging moments in that performance, the result extended a difficult run for the Welsh side in the tournament.
The last time Wales celebrated a Six Nations victory came three years ago when they defeated Italy 29 to 17 on 11 March 2023.
Saturday’s encounter at a packed Principality Stadium will therefore carry significant importance for both teams, with Italy looking to make history and Wales hoping to end their lengthy wait for a Six Nations win.
