A 31-man squad travelled down from Paris to Nice on Saturday and will spend the week in the southern French city ahead of making their way to Rome on Thursday.
The idea of training in Nice and not returning home to Wales is for Gatland’s men to replicate the work they will have to do when they travel from place to place at the World Cup in Japan later this year.
“It was a good win over France, but that’s all done now. It’s all eyes on Italy in Rome,” said Wales wing Josh Adams, who had an excellent game in Paris.
“This is all new for me. This is my fourth campaign and my second Six Nations, but the boys are brilliant. It’s a tight group, everybody gets on really well, and games like France show our cohesion.
“It showed we can come back from 16 points down. Depending on weather conditions, if it’s raining like it did in Paris, there is going to have to be a bit more game management from us in Italy.
“We need to play the game in the right areas, maybe sharpen up our attack a bit more, and get into our shape a bit quicker. There are a few things to look forward to and reflect on.”
Wales started 2019 with a sensational victory in Paris. George North’s second-half brace followed an effort from Tomos Williams as Gatland’s side overturned a 16-0 half-time deficit.
It meant the comeback was the best in Welsh rugby history.
Now all eyes turn to Italy. Wales haven’t lost to Italy since 2007 and have never been beaten by the Azzurri under Gatland’s guidance.
Looking ahead to that game, the Wales head coach said: “I have been to Rome a number of times. Italy can make it difficult for you and the weather conditions might play a big part.
“The last time I was there in 2015. It was 14-13 at half time and we scored 47 points in the second half. You have just got to keep your patience.
“If we can win our first two games away from home, it sets us up nicely.”
Gatland’s Wales have now won their last 10 matches which equals the country’s record winning streak in the era of professional rugby.
The overall record stands at 11, one which dates back to between 1907 and 1910.
“It’s obviously great to come back in games like we did in France and win. Winning becomes a habit and that’s what we’ve got to try and make it now,” said Adams.
