Quesada on Wales' Must-Win Situation
Gonzalo Quesada took over as Italy's head coach following the 2023 World Cup, succeeding Kieran Crowley. Ahead of the Six Nations finale in Cardiff on Saturday, Quesada emphasized that Wales "must win" against Italy.
Wales have endured a challenging run, losing their last 15 matches in the tournament since defeating Italy in Rome in March 2023. Additionally, they have not secured a home Six Nations victory in over four years. Facing the prospect of a third consecutive Wooden Spoon, Wales have nonetheless shown improvement in their recent performances against Scotland and Ireland.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy and captain Dewi Lake have stressed that performance will take precedence over the result this weekend. However, Quesada believes that Wales' primary objective will be to secure a win against Italy, who recently celebrated their first victory over England.
"We know that Wales must win this game, they must win it," the Italy head coach stated.
Wales' Recent Form and Quesada's Respect
Quesada acknowledged Wales' enhanced performances despite their lack of victories. He highlighted their impressive displays against Ireland and Scotland, noting the physicality and effort they exhibited, particularly against Ireland.
"They produced amazing performances against Ireland and Scotland but you can be in these periods where the results are not there, not even if you play as well and fight as hard as they did and the stunning physicality they put in against Ireland," he said.
He described the upcoming match as the toughest game of the Six Nations for Italy, emphasizing the need for mental and physical preparation.
Quesada expressed surprise at Wales' recent results but anticipates a strong response this weekend. Drawing on his experience playing against Wales for Argentina in the 1999 World Cup opener in Cardiff, he praised the resilience of Welsh rugby and its supporters.
"That's why I'm super respectful and aware because I know well Welsh rugby and the people well," Quesada remarked. "There's adversity and Welsh people in front of adversity become really dangerous. When the things get tough, they raise their level. Because it's so tough at the moment, I know that it's going to have a big game coming on Saturday. We know Wales will put an incredible amount of passion and good rugby into that game and we have to be ready."
Match Details
Wales will face Italy at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 14 March at 16:40 GMT. The match will be broadcast on BBC One and S4C, with radio coverage available on , BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3.
Italy Pursuing Historic Six Nations Trebles
Italy aims to achieve two historic trebles at the Principality Stadium: a third consecutive victory on Welsh soil and their first hat-trick of wins in a single Six Nations since joining the tournament in 2000. Having secured home wins against Scotland and England, Italy now seeks their first away victory in this year's championship.
Despite this, Quesada downplayed the focus on historic achievements, emphasizing consistency across all matches.
"No-one is talking about two wins or three wins," he said. "The goal is more to finish our first Six Nations with full consistency and having five good games. That is something that has never happened. There was always a game where things didn't work and there was a big loss. I promise it's not just words, it's exactly what we are after."
Italy has not lost to Wales in Cardiff since 2020, with victories at the Principality Stadium in 2022 and 2024. With three wins against Wales in their last four encounters, Italy enters Cardiff as favorites.
Quesada noted that his players draw confidence from previous successes at the venue.
"Psychologically the guys are not entering the stadium on Saturday feeling it's impossible," he said. "They are aware it will be hard but are also aware if we put our best performance on the pitch, we will be able to compete and have a chance."
Italy defeated England 23-18 in Rome last weekend.
Wing Louis Lynagh, who was part of Italy's winning side in Cardiff in 2024, reflected on the experience.
"It is always good to be back here. I have amazing memories from two years ago and hopefully we can recreate that," Lynagh said. "People now in our side now have had that experience of playing in these big moments and stadiums, so hopefully we can push forwards and win more games."
Addressing concerns about potential complacency following the England win, Lynagh clarified the team's mindset.
"We had a good celebration after the game but soon turned our attention to recovering and playing Wales," he explained. "We don't want [the win against England] to be a massive high followed by a low. Italy in the past have had that big win but it has been a one-off and we lose the next week. We have been striving for that consistency and that has been one of our biggest growths and something Gonzalo has brought in. He has done an amazing job so far and the team is fully behind him."
Connections Between Italy and Wales
Italy's squad includes Welsh-speaking scrum-half Stephen Varney, who is on the replacements' bench for this weekend's match. Additionally, defence coach Richard Hodges previously worked with the Cardiff management team and collaborated at the Arms Park with current Wales backroom staff Danny Wilson and Matt Sherratt.
Lynagh commented on Wales' recent challenges and growth in the Six Nations.
"Wales have been in a difficult point in their story but their growth in the Six Nations has been amazing to see," he said. "People will say they have lost four games in a row and it will not be a difficult game, but we think the exact opposite. They probably should have beaten Scotland and Ireland, so we know it is going to be a tough game and have prepared accordingly."
