Wales have not been beaten in Rome since 2007 and their last Six Nations victory was the away trip to Italy two years ago.
This has been followed by seven consecutive defeats in the tournament and defeat will leave Gatland’s squad contemplating consecutive Wooden Spoons with home matches against Ireland and England and a trip to Scotland to come.
Another loss will also probably see Wales drop to a lowest position of 12th in the world rankings.
Gatland says a win could get “the monkey off your back and grow some confidence” with the previous international victory coming in October 2023 against Georgia.
“It would help players put their shoulders back a little bit and stand a little bit taller,” said Gatland.
“Those are the important things for that because I know how hard they are working and how hard they are trying.”
Gatland was also asked whether this was the biggest match of his Wales career.
“I haven’t seen any of the external pressure,” said Gatland.
“I try to stay away from that stuff. It’s just making sure we focus on ourselves.
“If you absorb yourself in that, I don’t see it as being positive in trying to portray to the players what we’re asking them to do.
“We’re asking them to be positive and have confidence and self belief. I look at every game as being very important.”