BRISTOL -- Italy spoiled George North’s farewell international appearance as an assured Azzurri performance saw them close out their best ever Six Nations campaign at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. In a match to decide who would take home the wooden spoon, Gonzalo Quesada’s side produced a comfortable performance which was not entirely reflected by the narrow scoreline.

 Italy, who beat Scotland in spectacular fashion the previous week-end, controlled proceedings throughout. And despite a late Wales rally, Gli Azzurri saw the game over the line to finish the campaign with two wins and a draw from five matches.

 Wales had hoped to send George North off in style after an illustrious international career spanning more than 13 years. But Italy denied North that opportunity and he hobbled off at the end of a game which had seen Gli Azzurri be the much better side.

 Italy were unflustered in the first half and continued their habit of fast starts through two Paolo Garbisi penalties. Monte Ioane then scored the first try of the game, bursting through a pocket of space beyond the Welsh backline after neat Italian build up play.

 Quesada’s side went into half-time with an 0-11 lead but had not needed to move into second gear in a first-half performance that had exploited Welsh errors with efficiency.

 Wales had an early second-half chance when breaking into the 22, working the ball cleverly and almost over the line. But Italy inflicted further pain on Warren Gatland’s team through a brilliant Lorenzo Pani try. Full-back Pani, who had come into the side in place of the injured Ange Capuozzo, made use of great play from the lineout and Monty Ioane’s quick pass to race down the flank and score.

 Italy largely kept Wales at bay through a strong defensive performance, but the Italian defence was finally broken through Elliot Dee’s try, after a lengthy review confirmed he had grounded the ball, and Sam Costelow’s conversion.

 That moment breathed new life into a lacklustre Wales, who hit back through Will Rowland’s try and Ioan Lloyd’s conversion. Substitute Mason Grady then tested Italian resolve when scoring a brilliant individual try, gathering a chip over the Italian defence to power through and race clear. The 21-24 scoreline meant Wales ended the game with some respectability, but it did not tell the story of a dominant Italian display.

 Quesada’s team superbly exposed Welsh mistakes going forward and posed a strength in defensive positions which Wales struggled to bypass. A committed defensive performance was epitomised by a sensational tackle from Exeter’s Ross Vintcent to stop a near-certain Liam Williams try.

 Tommaso Menoncello and Ignacio Brex put in standout displays, Ioane underlined his talent in attacking areas, and captain Michele Lamaro capped a strong tournament with another fine performance.

 The win sealed a historic Six Nations finish under Quesada, whose youth revolution has revitalised the Italian team. The result meant Italy won two Six Nations games for the first time since 2017 and secured their best ever finish with 11 points, handing Wales the wooden spoon.

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