Italy faced off against France on February 23, 2025, at the historic Stadio Olimpico in Rome for their third match in this year’s Six Nations rugby tournament. The game not only marked another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two nations but also came with the added stakes of the Trofeo Garibaldi, awarded annually to the winner of this fixture.
Right from the kickoff, the atmosphere was electric. Fans packed the grand stadium, and before the match began, all eyes were on Sergio Parisse, the legendary former captain of Italy, who was honored for his impressive 142 caps and as the only Italian inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame. The crowd erupted as he entered the pitch with his children, paying tribute to his remarkable contribution to Italian rugby.
Under the coaching of Gonzalo Quesada, Italy took to the field with both confidence and pressure. The team had recently avoided the dreaded "wooden spoon" after securing their first win against Wales. Their objective was clear: to build upon their momentum. On the contrary, France, coached by the formidable Fabien Galthié, aimed to re-establish their dominance following their narrow defeat to England.
The match kicked off with Italy making their first mark on the scoreboard. Tommaso Menoncello sailed through the French defense to score Italy’s opening try, quickly transforming it through Allan, putting Italy 7-0 up. The early advantage inspired hope among the fans. But as history often attests, it takes much more than hope to outplay the seasoned French squad.
Responding swiftly, the French team, led by captain Antoine Dupont, found their rhythm. Dupont's quick thinking and strategic plays were instrumental as they equalized shortly after with Mickaël Guillard scoring. The match was on fire, with both teams’ offenses displaying sharp determination. Ramsay added the points again, and the tide of the game began to shift toward the visitors.
France, showcasing their physical prowess, executed powerful plays through Gregory Alldritt and the lightning-quick Leo Barré. By halftime, they had built up quite the lead, leading 35-17, leaving Italy to regroup and rethink their strategy during the break. Many fans questioned whether Italy could overcome such odds against their formidable opponents.
Upon resuming the game, Italy struggled to regain control as substitutions made during the intermission didn't significantly alter the course of play. The relentless French team maintained their pressure and scored their sixth try through Alldritt, extending their advantage to 42-17, solidifying their position as contenders for the title this year.
The match captured the intensity and unpredictability of rugby, with both sides making numerous tactical adjustments as the game unfolded. Despite the defeat, Italy showed moments of brilliance—highlighted by their impactful plays and the raw determination of the players. Especially commendable was the support shown by fans who continuously cheered for their team even as the scoreline became bleak.
Post-match discussions centered on the lessons Italy could take from this encounter. Quesada’s comments echoed through the media: "La Francia vorrà imporre la propria fisicità, conosciamo il loro valore ma siamo pronti: faremo la nostra partita, consapevoli dei nostri punti di forza." Meanwhile, Dupont emphasized the French team’s need to continue building upon their performance momentum.
With the match coming to close, the scoreboard read 42-17, marking yet another victory for France against Italy. Historically, this rivalry has almost always favored the French side, with Italy only claiming three victories out of their forty-nine prior encounters. The stakes of this game were ever clear, but the path forward for both teams remains bright as the tournament progresses.
Looking forward, Italy's performance raises hopes for future games, and as they continue their campaign, fans will expect improvements and courage from the players, nurturing the spirit of rugby not just as athletes, but as ambassadors for their country’s competitive pride.