The boot of Dan Biggar proved the difference as Wales held off a spirited Italy performance to win 26-15 in Rome, making it 11 Test wins on the bounce in the process.
A quartet of penalties from Biggar put Wales in control in a first-half in which both sides proved tough nuts to crack.
Both outfits showed signs with the ball in hand, but defences remained resolute, with no tries allowed in the opening half an hour.
That is until a solid Italy lineout deep in Wales territory caused the visitors all sorts of problems.
Powerful carrying from the Azzurri brought them up to the line before Braam Steyn found a way over the line to cut the deficit before a Tommaso Allan further reduced arrears after the break.
But Josh Adams settled Wales’ nerves as he crossed after Liam Williams wriggled through a gap before offloading before Biggar added the extras.
Owen Watkin extended the visitors’ lead with ten minutes to play as he latched on to a deft Gareth Anscombe chip to gather and dot down before the impressive Biggar again did the honours from the tee.
But Padovani’s effort, following good work from Allen, gave Wales something to think about with just five minutes left on the clock.
