Conor O’Shea’s Italy are yet to win a game in this season’s tournament and have suffered defeats to England, Ireland and France before their meeting with Warren Gatland’s men.
But the form of Italy’s professional club sides Benetton Rugby and Zebre in the Guinness PRO14 has been cause for optimism.
Benetton head coach Kieran Crowley believes Italy’s fine domestic form will soon transfer to the international stage.
“We’re really starting to get a culture and togetherness at Benetton and Italian rugby is going the right way,” said New Zealander Crowley.
“I hope the Italian team can follow some of our results. The structures in Italy need to keep improving and they are because Conor is doing a great job there.
“We’ve had 11 boys away with the Italian national team recently and it’s the same for Zebre who have quite a few as well.
“The more our Italian club sides start winning at the top level, the greater the confidence gets for those players.
“They’re playing at international level and the Six Nations is another step up again. It’s a big ask playing against Wales, but Italy can get to that level.”
Wales have lost their last two Six Nations clashes to England and Ireland.
Italy prop up the table without a point, but their players will take to the field in the Welsh capital with many of their players boosted by the fact they’ve had some key results this season.
Benetton have beaten both the Scarlets and Dragons this season.
Their win at Rodney Parade in February made it five straight successes in the campaign to date.
Zebre have also claimed victory over Ulster and secured a double over Connacht.
“Zebre had a very good win against Connacht recently and our win over the Dragons made it five victories in a row for us. That’s never been done before at this club,” said Crowley.
“When you’re losing all the time, you start to believe that’s what you’re going to do. Last year we would have lost the game with the Dragons because we didn’t know how to win. Now we do.
“It’s the same with Italy. I’m sure they will turn the corner soon enough.”
Tickets are still available to watch Wales against Italy at Principality Stadium on Sunday, March 11.
