It was Gatland’s 20th loss in 26 Tests since returning for a second stint at the helm, an eighth Six Nations reversal in a row and the first time Wales have suffered back-to-back defeats against Italy.

The consequences for Warren Gatland, Wales' longest serving coach, were dim before the do-or-die match as he's overseen a national record losing streak that's stretched to 14 test

Wales were forced into making two late changes to their lineup to take on Italy in the Six Nations Championship in Rome on Saturday after veteran fullback Liam Williams and lock Dafydd Jenkins were withdrawn from the team 90 minutes before kickoff.

Italy sent Wales spiralling deeper into crisis on Saturday after triumphing 22-15 in the Six Nations and handing their sorry opponents a record-extending 14th consecutive Test defeat in front of delighted fans in Rome.