Italy v Wales, Six Nations 2023: What time is kick-off, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

After another fallow week, the Six Nations revs back up again, with plenty to play for – especially if you're one of the sides battling to avoid the wooden spoon. These two teams have one point between them so far.

While Italy have propped up the Six Nations table on 17 previous occasions, it is 20 years since Wales last finished bottom of the pile.

But after defeats by Ireland, Scotland and England - Wales' worst start to a Six Nations campaign since 2003 - their fate will effectively be sealed if they lose this one.

This is the opening fixture of the weekend, kicking off at 2.15pm on Saturday March 11. The match is being played in Rome, at the Stadio Olympico. 

The other games this weekend are England v France at 4.45pm on the Saturday and Scotland v Ireland at 3pm on Sunday, March 12.  

This is an ITV fixture. For UK TV viewers it will be live on ITV 1 or on ITVX, STV or STV Player. The coverage will begin at 1.30pm. ITV's Six Nations pundits for 2023 include Jonny Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Sir Clive Woodward, Maggie Alphonsi and Brian O’Driscoll. Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas is also on the books. 

A former Australia rugby sevens player, Damon Murphy, takes charge of this one. He made his Six Nations debut at a referee only last year.

• Referee: Damon Murphy (RA)
• Assistant Referee 1: Karl Dickson (RFU)
• Assistant Referee 2: Chris Busby (IRFU)
• TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU)

After defeat by England in the third round of fixtures, Wales have released the following players back to their regions: Rhys Carré, Dillon Lewis, Teddy Williams, Leon Brown, Bradley Roberts, Aaron Wainwright, Rhys Davies and Keiran Williams.

It was a thriller. Italy won 22-21 with a try in the last two minutes from Edoardo Padovani at the Principality Stadium. It was the Azzuri's first Six Nations victory in seven years. Paolo Garbisi, Italy’s fly-half, knocked over the conversion before collapsing into floods of tears.

• Italy: 8/7
• Wales: 11/13
• Draw: 28/1

Odds correct as of March 1

Wales have scored only three tries in three games, conceded 89 points, 12 touchdowns and 44 penalties, so a trip to the Eternal City where a vastly-improved Azzurri should have alarm bells ringing.
Italy 20 Wales 15