The Six Nations wooden spoon is heading Wales' way again after it lost to Italy 22-15 and earned more unwanted records on Saturday. Wales has never suffered consecutive last-place finishes in the tournament's 142-year history but that's almost guaranteed next month.

Italy took the lead early in Rome and never looked back. With 14 consecutive defeats it leaves head coach Warren Gatland clinging to his job. | ITV News Wales

Andrew Cotter: Ordinarily Italy versus Wales might not gather too much attention on a Six Nations weekend, but this year the spotlight will shine brightly on a pivotal match - victory for Wales and it could be a turning point. With defeat it would be hard to see beyond another Wooden Spoon.

ROME (Reuters) -Italy dominated proceedings but almost let Wales back into the game before closing out a 22-15 victory in the Six Nations Championship on Saturday and condemning their visitors to their lowest ever place in the world rankings.

Italy dominated proceedings but almost let Wales back into the game before closing out a 22-15 victory in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Watch highlights as Italy beat Wales 22-15 in the Six Nations to extend Wales' losing streak to 14 games. READ MORE: Italy outsmart sloppy Wales as losing run goes on. Watch highl

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.