As National Anthems go, the Italian theme tune is as stirring as they come, and one of the best in the Guinness Six Nations.

Yesterday at the Stadio Olympic under sun drenched blue skies, Italy were looking to continue their progress as a team finally starting to live up to its musical counterpart.

Italy have always had a good anthem, but their rugby team have lagged behind their bel canto team mate in terms of quality and performance.

The opening lines of Goffredo Mameli’s composition could not be more apt, Fratelli d’Italia, L’Italia s’è desta (Brothers of Italy, Italy has awakened).

At the Stadio Olympic Italy’s awakening stalled as Wales finally dragged themselves from their winter rugby hibernation.

Rio started the carnival after 9 minutes with try following a chip ahead by Rhys Webb that gave the young Dyer the kindest of bounces.

Liam Williams beat four Italians on his way to the try line with 18 minutes on the clock before a 34th minute penalty try gave Wales a confidence boosting 22-3 half time lead.

Despite a 43rd minute Italian try from Sebastian Negri Italy continued to spurn chance after chance which was the theme of their afternoon, and a Taulupe Faletau try on 50 minutes, following a sumptuous break from man of the match Rhys Webb, gave Wales a comforting 29-10 lead with half an hour remaining.

As Wales began to look the more weary of the two sides an Juan Ignacio Brex try with 12 minutes remaining gave Italy hope, but Wales hung on to give earn a bonus point victory.

In the current climate this result has come as welcome oasis in a desert of turmoil, unrest, and mistrust back home. The victory will be rightly celebrated before thoughts turn to facing a rampant France on their home patch in a weeks time.

After France’ 53-10 demolition of England at Twickenham facing Les Bleus at Stade de France is a daunting prospect. Wales head to Nice today to start a weeks preparation on the Côte d’Azur, let’s hope they bring that Riviera touch to the capital on Saturday.