Italy and France are set to clash today, February 23, 2025, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where Les Bleus will be eager to bounce back from their previous defeat. Meanwhile, the Azzurri aim to create history by winning their third consecutive home match for the first time ever in the Six Nations.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm GMT, with the game being broadcast live on ITV1 starting at 2:15pm. The excitement surrounding this match builds not just from the stakes of the tournament, but also from the two teams' contrasting fortunes leading up to this encounter. After demolishing Wales on their opening night, France faced significant disappointment last time out, losing 26-25 to England thanks to a last-gasp try.
Head Coach Fabien Galthie has made strategic changes, positioning Thomas Ramos at fly-half and opting for the explosive Theo Attissogbe on the wing. This decision is notable as it replaces established players who either fell short of expectations or are unavailable due to injury. Meanwhile, Italy welcomes back players like Simone Gesi, replacing the injured Monty Ioane, and anticipate equally strong performances from their lineup.
Despite Italy's recent success against Wales, they face significant challenges against France, whose formidable attacking lineup features players like Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who scored twice against England. Italy will need to muster all their resolve to counter France's aggressiveness and potency on the field.
Historically, Italy has struggled against France, having last tasted victory against them back in 2013 and facing 14 consecutive losses before last year’s dramatic draw, which saw Paolo Garbisi's late penalty attempt bounce off the post. Such history adds to both the pressure and the intrigue of today's match.
Italy's recent win over Wales was significant, showcasing their improved standing within the rugby community. Former Italy scrum-half Callum Braley emphasizes the importance of boldness for the Azzurri as they seek to build on their momentum. "If they can push through history, there's no reason they can't challenge this French team today," Braley said.
On the other hand, the pressure is mounting on Galthie's side to reclaim their status as title contenders after last week's disappointment at Twickenham. The team has plenty of attacking threats, and with physical play expected, many anticipate France will come out swinging from the opening whistle.
Previously, both teams had contrasting starts to the tournament; France, pre-tournament favorites, aimed for grandeur but faced setbacks against England thanks to multiple handling errors and missed try opportunities. Italy, meanwhile, is riding the high of consecutive wins, fueling hope for them to perform against France.
Betting odds highlight the difference between the teams, with Italy being the underdogs at around 17/2 to win, whereas France is heavily favored at 1/14. Bookmakers reflect the sentiment many have going for the French team, stating they are expected to dominate once again. That’s not to say Italy should be underestimated, as they have shown vast improvements over past seasons.
Both teams have fielded strong squads, with Italy keeping their core performance intact and France shuffling their lineup, aiming for combinations they believe will serve them best against the Azzurri. Italy’s lineup is as follows: 15 Tommaso Allan; 14 Ange Capuozzo; 13 Juan Ignacio Brex; 12 Tommaso Menoncello; 11 Simone Gesi; 10 Paolo Garbisi; 1 Danilo Fischetti; 2 Gianmarco Lucchesi; 3 Simone Ferrari; 4 Niccolo Cannone; 5 Federico Ruzza; 6 Sebastian Negri; 7 Michele Lamaro; 8 Lorenzo Cannone. Their substitutes will include names like Giacomo Nicotera and Riccardo Favretto.
France's lineup, expected to be more aggressive with their strategy, features Leo Barre at full-back, carrying the momentum from his previous matches. The squad comprises 15 Leo Barre; 14 Theo Attissogbe; 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi; 12 Yoram Moefana; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey; 10 Thomas Ramos; 9 Antoine Dupont; 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros; 2 Peato Mauvaka; 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Thibaud Flament; 5 Mickael Guillard; 6 Francois Cros; 7 Paul Boudehent; 8 Gregory Alldritt, with experienced players on the bench ready to provide support.
There’s no doubt both teams understand the significance of this match. For Italy, it's about not just continuing their winning streak but rewriting history. For France, it is about redemption after defeat, setting up the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter this afternoon at the Stadio Olimpico.