For a home crowd that has endured a lean few years, it was a cathartic afternoon, as Steve Tandy's side delivered an authoritative performance that was never truly in doubt.

A first-half Welsh blitz

Wales emerged from the tunnel with a hunger that caught the Azzurri off guard. From the opening exchanges, the hosts dictated the tempo, with the pack providing a platform that allowed the backline to thrive. Number eight and Guinness Player of the Match Aaron Wainwright - Wales' leading light through the leanest of times - was the engine room’s standout, crossing for two tries in a dominant first half.

The Principality was rocking by the half-hour mark when captain Dewi Lake capped a superb individual display, piloting a powerful driving maul over the whitewash. With Dan Edwards pulling the strings - kicking impeccably from the tee, crossing for his own score, and adding a breathtaking drop goal - Wales raced into a 28-0 lead by the 45th minute, leaving a stunned Italy side to wonder where their trademark discipline had vanished.

Italy’s late rally

Italy, coming off a high-profile win against England, struggled to find their rhythm until the final quarter. Gonzalo Quesada’s side finally breached the Welsh line when replacement hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo finished a rolling maul, shortly after tighthead Archie Griffin had been sent to the sin bin for a cynical infringement.

The Azzurri enjoyed more possession in the final ten minutes, with replacement Tommaso Allan eventually crossing for a second try and Paolo Garbisi adding a third in the final act. However, a late effort from Leonardo Marin was chalked off following a TMO review, only for Garbisi to score soon afterwards.

While Italy’s late flurry added a hint of respectability to the scoreboard, the result was a deserved triumph for a Welsh team that looked transformed. Dan Edwards’ performance at fly-half provided the framework for a win that will go a long way in restoring confidence in Cardiff.

For Wales, the wait is over; for Italy, it is a chastening end to a tournament that promised so much.