In the aftermath of Italy's 24-21 victory over Wales in the Six Nations clash at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, here are five key takeaways from Saturday's match. Italy has finally passed on the dreaded Wooden Spoon to Wales after holding it since 2015. The Azzurri showcased outstanding performance on Welsh turf, securing back-to-back wins in Cardiff. Under the leadership of Gonzalo Quesada, Italy finished the tournament with two wins, one draw, and two losses, displaying significant improvement.

On the other hand, Wales struggled throughout the campaign, suffering five consecutive defeats and facing tough challenges ahead against the Springboks and Wallabies in June and July.

Italy's impressive backline, led by Paolo Garbisi at fly-half, showcased exceptional skills against Wales. The center duo of Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex proved to be a formidable force, disrupting the Welsh midfield and contributing significantly to Italy's victory. In contrast, Wales struggled with basic errors, lack of organization, and ineffective play in the center positions.

The dominance of the Italian centers highlighted the deficiencies in Wales' game play, emphasizing the need for improvement in various areas to overcome their current struggles.

Italy's forward pack demonstrated significant improvement throughout the Six Nations tournament. Led by captain Michele Lamaro and supported by Seb Negri's powerful running, the Italian forwards provided strong support to the talented backline.

The lineout efficiency of Federico Ruzza and the scrummaging prowess of Giacomo Nicotera showcased the development of Italy's forward play. Danilo Fischetti's dominant display further highlighted the strength and potential of Italy's front row. The collective effort of Italy's forwards showed promising signs for the team's future success.

In contrast, Wales faced a challenging campaign marked by inconsistent performances, injuries, and a lack of cohesion. The team's struggles were evident in their inability to compete effectively against Italy, leading to their first Wooden Spoon in 21 years.

With key players retiring and budget cuts looming, Wales faces uncertainty in the rugby landscape. Despite the challenges, Warren Gatland remains committed to leading the team through a rebuilding phase. The stark difference between Italy's growth under Quesada's guidance and Wales' struggles underscores the contrasting fortunes of the two teams in the Six Nations tournament. Italy's resurgence and Wales' uncertain future highlight the evolving landscape of international rugby.