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As a player, Gonzalo Quesada experienced a narrow loss in the Rugby World Cup 1999 opener. The wonder-kicker from Buenos Aires scored 18 points in a 23-18 defeat in Cardiff. Earlier in the year he scored 21 points in a 36-26 home defeat. Decades later, Quesada is among the leading coaches in the world. He has taken Italy to back-to-back Six Nations wins over Wales.
Quesada took over Italy after Rugby World Cup 2023. The Italians did not have a good campaign in France. Italy overcame Uruguay and Namibia but were blown apart by both France and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Wales topped their pool before being eliminated by Argentina in the Quarter Finals.
In his rookie season in charge of Italy, Quesada made an impact. He got the Azzurri back to winning ways. Italy ended their losing streak to come away with a draw against France and wins over Scotland and Wales. The 2024 win over Wales was 22-15 and it took place in Cardiff.
Eleven months after defeating the Red Dragons at the home of Welsh Rugby, Quesada’s team completed a double. Italy were 22-15 winners in Rome in round two of the 2025 Six Nations. The final score does not adequately describe the match as Italy were leading throughout and in control until the end.
Wales had a sniff at completing a draw after two Italians were yellow carded with one minute remaining in the match. A long kick-off saw Wales inside their own 22 and unable to escape. A turn-off penalty saw Quesada’s side to glory.
The Italians controlled terrify and possession during the contest. Their kick-chase match saw Wales on the back foot repeatedly. The Welsh did not help themselves by having slow phase recycling.
All told, the seven point defeat was Wales’ 14th loss in a row under Warren Gatland. The New Zealander’s job as Head Coach of Wales is unsustainable. Wales are now to fall to seventh in Europe in World Rankings. This is so after Georgia defeated the Netherlands earlier in the day.
ITALY  VS WALES – MATCH HIGHLIGHTS |
