Rhian Bowden's side were following on from the men's defeat of the Azzurri and picked up where Warren Gatland's team left off scoring two tries in either half.

The result guarantees Wales won't finish with the Wooden Spoon and provided a much needed morale boost after heavy defeats to England and Ireland.

Italy attempted to use the power of their pack to stifle Wales, but the wide open expanses of the Millennium Stadium were more suited to the hosts' running game.

They were out of sight by halftime as tries from centre Elen Evans, making her first start of the Championship after recovering from a shoulder injury, and lock Clare Flowers along with eight points from the boot of Laura Prosser gave them a 18-6 interval lead.

That was soon stretched further when centre Thomas showed her finishing prowess for her side's third try.

Thomas - normally a fly-half - then gathered a clever pass from flying winger Caryl James to round off Wales' try.

Italy did get a measure of respect when flanker Michaela Esta burrowed over in the 65th minute but it was Wales' day.