Head coach Warren Gatland says Wales can not hide from the importance of a Six Nations trip to face Italy in Rome after they were demolished 43-0 by France.

Wales suffered a record Six Nations loss against France, and it was the first time since the tournament expanded 25 years ago that Wales failed to score a point.

In a demoralising start for Wales, they also finished only one point short of equalling their all-time worst Six Nations defeat of 54-10 against Ireland 23 years ago.

It was also a 13th successive Test loss under Gatland which is an ongoing Welsh record.

Former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar says the match at the Stadio Olimpico is Wales’ biggest for “15-20 years” with Gatland’s side desperately needing a victory.

“It is an important game for Wales, it is not about where it ranks for me,” said Gatland.

“Next week becomes pretty important for us. We can’t hide away from that. We need to get the monkey off our back.”