Last year, Italy had their most successful championship, and that, combined with a Welsh team on a 13-game losing streak, has made the Italians firm favourites.
“I think we’ve got to embrace that fact, but Wales can be at their strongest when their backs are against the wall and we’re expecting a really tough battle,” Negri told Reuters in an interview.
“People say we’re the favourites and that’s a new sort of tag for us but we have to embrace that.
“We’re in a good cycle ourselves and looking forward to a big game but you can’t underestimate Wales at any time no matter how difficult a run they’re on.”
Italy, and 30-year-old Negri, know all about difficult runs. Last year’s win over Scotland was Negri’s first taste of Six Nations success in his seventh campaign.
“There was a feeling of relief, a lot of emotion, because I’ve had so many lows in the jersey, but also so many special days,” Negri said
