The five-try victory secured Wales fifth place in the inaugural tournament with scores coming from Kieran Hardy, Sam Parry, Gareth Davies, George North and Justin Tipuric.
“It wasn’t the 80-minute performance we were after, but we are heading in the right direction,” said head coach Pivac after his team ended 2020 on a high.
“We asked some questions of players and got some answers so that’s what we wanted to get out of the game as well as a good result.
“We were happy with the 38 points but not conceding 18. We conceded too many penalties in the second quarter of the game and leading into half time which allowed Italy back into the game.
“Going down to 14 men certainly wasn’t in the script. I thought once we got our composure back, and got back to 15, that we finished the game quite strongly.
“From a defensive point of view, from that point on, we were very hungry and we turned a couple of balls over which is where we want to be going forward.
“I thought Taulupe Faletau was outstanding. We shifted him from playing in the 15-metre channel into the middle of the park where he can get his hands on the ball a little bit more and use his footwork.
“He did that exceptionally well, making line breaks and setting a try up as well. He had a strong game and Justin Tipuric back from his head knock went well along with Taulupe.
“I think there have been 11 debutants since the start of the Six Nations. That’s a huge number. We’ve learnt a lot about those players and they’ve learnt a lot.
“I spoke to Ioan Lloyd in the changing room and he’s learned a hell of a lot from that game compared to the Georgia game.
“He was on the field for a lot longer and you can’t buy those things. You’ve got to get out there, play these games, and learn from them.
“He’ll be better for that and as will others who’ve had an opportunity.”
