Italy 15 Wales 20:Wales are still in the hunt to retain their Six Nations title, but only just, after Italy gave them quite a scare in Rome. The visitors struggled for rhythm throughout and crept home thanks to a try by replacement centre Tom Shanklin eight minutes from time.
The home side's performance should silence the Azzurri’s critics, whose allegations of disharmony in the camp were strenuously denied prior to kick-off.
Wing Shane Williams also touched down and outhalf James Hook kicked the rest for a third win from four for the Welsh, whose failure to pile up the points could leave them chasing a huge target in next week's final match at home to leaders Ireland.
Fullback Andrea Marcato had given Italy hope of springing a massive upset a minute before Shanklin's try, by putting them two points ahead with his fifth successful penalty.
Nick Mallett's side face another wooden spoon but will be encouraged by a spirited performance after losing to England, Ireland and Scotland.
Wales coach Warren Gatland gave many of his second-stringers the chance to impress, with only six of the players who started last month's 21-16 defeat by France taking the field but the home side made the early running.
They took the lead in the sixth minute with Marcato's first and created problems with some good scavenging and clever kicks in behind Wales.
They were unable to turn good field positions into points and Wales punished them in the 27th minute when Williams scored his 17th try in 17 games after nice work from captain Alun-Wyn Jones and the returning Gavin Henson.
Hook, who had missed an easy place-kick, slotted the conversion.
The home team kept plugging away and Marcato added two more penalties for a 9-7 lead.
Italy outhalf Luke McLean then sparked panic with a lob to the corner shortly before the break but wing Mark Jones just managed to get a hand on the ball and save a try.
The Azzurri tried to barge their way over after the ensuing scrum but the Welsh defence was resolute and they settled for a drop goal attempt, which Marcato missed.
The hosts kept up the pressure at the start of the second half, dominating up front and producing some flashes of fluid rugby but they let the Welsh off the hook with mistakes at key moments.
Marcato extended the lead before Hook edged the Welsh ahead with two penalties.
The Italian fullback was on target again with his boot in the 71st, but the home crowd's hopes of victory did not last, as Shanklin sold a dummy and went over after Wales had recaptured possession from the restart.
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