Dominguez calls for rediscovery of old Italian spirit

For A place that churns out history quicker than Wales once turned out outside-halves, a second Six Nations victory for Italy today would not be one of this city's most prized landmarks. But, for the small-but-dedicated bunch of Azzurri oval-ball fanatics, such a triumph would be an even bigger watershed than the first.

Some three years and 14 Six Nations games have come and gone since that heady day at Stadio Flaminio when Scotland were brought to their knees and Italy celebrated their first day in the competition with a win delivered straight from the Roman gods (well, from Diego Dominguez's boot anyway). There have been brief moments since when another success seemed on the cards – in Ireland last year, for example, but having two men sent to the sin-bin saw them stumble to a 32-17 defeat – but these have been all too brief and all too far apart.

Never will they have as good a chance as they do today of casting off that tag of one-win wonders. On the face of it, Wales present as demanding a challenge as they ever have in Italy's short tenure in Europe's élite. The record books show that not only have Wales won all eight games against Italy, but have done so with some aplomb, the nearest Italy coming being the flattering 33-23 reverse here two years ago. The form of the autumn internationals also points to Steve Hansen's men. In November, Wales kept New Zealand to within five points in normal time before the floodgates collapsed to allow the All Blacks romp to a cruel 43-17 win. Italy, meanwhile, were being swept aside by Australia and, more depressingly, losing 36-6 at home to Argentina.

So why should it be any different today? Because due to a long list of injuries to key personnel, allied to the fact that Wales have been up to their eyes in internal politics rather than competitive mud of late, they have a distinctly there-for-the-taking look about them.

John Kirwan, the former All Black winger who took over from Brad Johnstone as Italy's coach in March, is certainly aware of the opportunity that presents itself. "This is the one for us," he said. "I want us to win one game. Just one game. That will give the country a massive boost and kick-start people's interest in the sport. It's all a question of timing."

Indeed, the timing has never been better as Wales have not won their opening Six Nations match since 1997. Hansen knows that this year his team need to hit the floor running. "We must start off well because this Six Nations is going to be like no other before," he said. "With five matches to play in a seven-week period it is going to be hugely demanding on the players both mentally and physically."

Those demands will apply two-fold to Iestyn Harris, who today fills the No 10 and points-kicking role left vacant by Stephen Jones's broken thumb. If it does come down to a battle of the boot between Harris and Dominguez then Welsh fans would be advised to look away. Quite simply, Dominguez has few equals in the world in the kicking department, a fact that has made his recovery from a hip injury even more of a blow to Wales. He forms a partnership with his captain and scrum-half, Alessandro Troncon, that could see Harris and young Dwayne Peel reaching for the panic button early. "Diego is an immense talent," a relieved Kirwan said.

So too is Mauro Bergamasco, the raved-about flanker whom Kirwan has selected on the right wing and labelled "the new Lomu". The experience of Paolo Vaccari at full-back and Cristian Stoica at outside centre should help the 23-year-old settle and, if he does, Gareth Thomas, on Wales's left wing, could be in for a torrid afternoon.

As ever with Italy, this all depends on the pack winning more than the mouse's share of the ball. And with two new caps in the hooker, Carlo Festuccia, and the lock Cristian Bezzi, and with Bergamasco's ball-in-hand talent being utilised in other areas, Wales will be all-out to starve them of possession. The decisions of the French referee, Joel Jutge, particularly in the loose, will no doubt play a big part, but the presence of the 6ft 5in Michael Owen on the blindside married to a much-needed return to form of the captain, Colin Charvis, could just see the Welsh pack put the game out of Dominguez's reach.

Characteristically, however, the little 36-year-old is having none of it. He is summoning the spirit of 2000. "There weren't any great players on the pitch that day, we were just a tightly-knit group," Dominguez said. "If we go out with that mentality, ready to react without beating ourselves up if something goes wrong, then it will be possible to beat Wales." History dictates Italy will get it right sooner than later.