Italy 22 – Wales 15 ☹️

Today didn’t turn at as well as we’d hoped, partly because of the rugby result, but also because of the relentless rain. Nevertheless, we still had an enjoyable day.

Our first stop was the Spanish Steps, where Welsh choirs and rugby fans had gathered for a sing song. It was wonderful seeing a sea of red tumbling down the steps, and listening to everyone singing songs including Calon Lân, Bread of Heaven, Hymns and Arias, and the national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

From there we made our way to Piazza del Popolo, and stopped at a cafe for a beer and something to eat before we caught the tram to the Stadio Olympico for the match. We were pleased to bump into Mike, a good friend of Heather and Gavin’s at the cafe. He’s in Rome with a group of friends and they’d had a rather heavy night the night before the game, so they didn’t make the singing at the Spanish Steps!

The tram from Flaminio was jam packed and claustrophobic, and I was very pleased to get out at Mancini. There were light rain showers while we were sitting outside at the cafe, where the staff handed out umbrellas to customers, but now the rain was much heavier. By the time we’d walked to the stadium, we were drenched.

Usually we enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the outdoor bars and streets around a stadium, but today we headed straight inside to stay dry. Thankfully, our seats were undercover, but it was cold, especially as our shoes and clothes were wet. We could all have done with extra layers! We couldn’t even get a hot drink to warm up, nor were there any other alcoholic drinks than freezing cold beer!

The match itself was, like the weather, rather dismal. At least Wales got some points, but the result could have been much worse if the Italian kicker hadn’t missed a few penalties. I felt sorry for the Welsh players because this was their 14th consecutive defeat, and the first time Italy have beaten them in many years. I’m sure they’re trying their best!

After sitting in the cold stadium for a few hours, we were all frozen. I’d woken up with a sore throat and cough this morning, and was feeling pretty rubbish by now. The journey back to our apartment was miserable, walking in torrential rain and queuing to squeeze onto a tram, with everyone jostling for position, and the tram drivers sometimes fooling us by using a different platform! We finally got on to the third tram, which seemed to take forever, stopping at every set of lights.

When we arrived back at the apartment we all dried out and had hot drinks to warm up. I felt quite poorly by now so I curled up under my duvet. I didn’t even fancy going out for dinner with the others, preferring to snooze. Hopefully, I’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.