Six Nations 2026: Wales v Italy – Gonzalo Quesada says hosts ‘must win’

Wing Louis Lynagh is one of the players who have experienced success in Cardiff, having been part of Italy’s winning side in 2024.

“It is always good to be back here. I have amazing memories from two years ago and hopefully we can recreate that,” said Lynagh.

“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.”

Welsh fans may be hoping that Italy may still be hungover following their success against England, but Lynagh dispelled that idea.

“We had a good celebration after the game but soon turned our attention to recovering and playing Wales,” he said.

“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.”

Italy have a few connections to Wales, with Welsh-speaking scrum-half Stephen Varney on the replacements’ bench this weekend.

Defence coach Richard Hodges was formerly on the Cardiff management team and worked at the Arms Park with current Wales backroom duo Danny Wilson and Matt Sherratt.

“Wales have been in a difficult point in their story but their growth in the Six Nations has been amazing to see,” said Lynagh.

“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.”