ITALY created history with a dramatic late victory over Wales at the Stadio Flaminio.

Mauro Bergamasco's try five minutes from time earned the Azzurri their second victory of the campaign - the first time Italy have managed the feat since joining in 2000.

Wales had arrived desperate to secure their first win and burst the Italian bubble.

However, Ramiro Pez immediately pinned Wales back into their 22 and almost brought a try for winger Matteo Pratichetti inside just three minutes.

Gonzalo Canale crashed through Martyn Williams's tackle in midfield but his long pass, which Pratichetti scooped up on the bounce, was ruled forward by referee Chris White. Wales struggled to shake the attentions of Italy's high-pressure blitz defence and barely escaped their own half. Pez missed his first penalty from long range but was accurate with his second. He then extended their lead after Wales were spotted hitting the ensuing ruck from the wrong side.

Wales seemed to lacked both confidence and organisation but a moment of clarity from James Hook, with a deft chip over the top, picked the lock. Tom Shanklin gathered the ball and drew two defenders before slipping an offload out to Shane Williams who roared home.

The game was scrappy but frenetic and Italy finally stung the Welsh on the break.

Azzurri winger Kaine Robertson launched a huge punt into the Wales half and then chased 50 metres to regather ahead of retreating lock Ian Gough and touch down under the posts. Pez converted to open Italy a 137 advantage at the interval.

Wales must have taken the mother of all rollockings at half-time because they started the second period like a steam train, scoring 10 points inside five minutes.

Hook took over the kicking duties, booting his first penalty. Wales returned to Italian territory and from their own line-out hooker Matthew Rees charged over.

Hook landed a second penalty after Zaffiro was spotted using hands in the ruck, extending Wales' advantage to a converted try.

Italy, though, had history to play for. De Marigney bulldozed for the line and Alessandro Troncon took it on again as they hammered forward in search of a try.

Parisse charged into the Wales 22 and when Wales were penalised for off-side, Pez slotted a simple three points. Italy snatched back possession immediately and after Mirco Bergamasco's powerful run earned them another penalty, which Pez this time aimed for touch.

With five minutes remaining, Italy drove their lineout to within touching distance.

Wave after wave sucked in the Welsh defence before Pez dabbed a neat chip over the top and Mauro Bergamasco won the race to score.

As the clock ticked into injury time, Wales won a penalty which Hook kicked for touch in search of a victory after apparently inquiring how long remained. But referee White blew for fulltime - prompting furious complaints from the Welsh but wild celebrations from the Italians.

ITALY R De Marigny; K Robertson, G Canale, Mirco Bergamasco, M Pratichetti; R Pez, A Troncon; A Lo Cicero, C Festuccia, C Nieto, S Dellape, M Bortolami (c), A Zanni, Mauro Bergamasco, S Parisse Subs P Griffen for Canale, 15 mins; S Perugini for Nieto, 59 mins;

F Staibano for Lo Cicero, 59 mins WALES K Morgan; M Jones, T Shanklin, J Hook, S Williams; S Jones (c), D Peel; G Jenkins, M Rees, C Horsman, I Gough, A-W Jones, A Popham, M Williams, Ryan Jones Subs A Jones for Horsman, 57 mins; D Jones for Jenkins, 62 mins; J Thomas for B Jones, 70 mins; G Thomas for S Jones, 76 mins Referee C White (England)