Italy's national rugby team, the Azzurri, prepares for their highly anticipated match against France as part of the 2025 Six Nations tournament. Scheduled for February 23, 2025, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 3 p.m. GMT, this clash is not just another fixture; it's pivotal for both teams.
Historically, Italy's encounters with France have showcased intense competition. This upcoming match marks the 50th meeting, with Italy holding only 3 victories compared to France's dominating 45 wins, along with one draw. Such historical stakes add to the excitement and tension surrounding the match.
According to analysis by Sport Quotidiano, the Azzurri are eager to upset the heavily favored French team. "The Galletti know they cannot lose, which means enormous pressure on them," the publication stated. This pressure may either serve as motivation for the players or become their biggest hurdle.
Italy's coach, Quesada, aims to reinforce his team's strength after their recent successes, particularly following their impressive victory over Wales. With the same squad likely taking the field, changes may be minimal. Italy will need to bring their A-game to the match, especially since fans are anxious to see whether their previous draw against France last year was merely coincidental or indicative of their ability to compete with the best national teams.
The physicality of the French team under coach Galthié is expected to be one of the main challenges."
"France has almost 50 kg more than Italy," pointed out Sport Quotidiano, emphasizing the significant physical advantages the French team possesses, including their height advantage, with forwards measuring on average 195 cm, compared to Italy's 189 cm. Such differences may impact key aspects of the game, particularly set pieces like scrums and lineouts.
With the increased pressure brought on by their historical track record, Italy must control their nerves early on to perform at their best. "Knowing the height advantage of the French team... is very interesting to exploit," said Sport Quotidiano. This awareness will be key for Italy as they plan their strategies against the French.
Italy's line-up features some familiar faces, with Ruzza and Negri poised to play pivotal roles. While the absence of winger Ioane and second-row player Lamb is felt, coach Quesada has chosen to utilize Gesi on the wings. This decision aims for balance and performance throughout the game.
The match has echoes of Italy's previous confrontations with the French, often successfully challenging them by hitting hard and taking risks. "This is very important for the Azzurri who will be able to test the level of competitiveness..." emphasized Sport Quotidiano, reflecting the significance of this match for the team going forward.
Indeed, Italy has suffered many losses to France, with the majority of the encounters leading to French dominance. Yet, the potential for surprises remains, as Italy has too often been underestimated, resulting in games where the odds falter.
viewers can tune in to watch the game live on ITVX, starting at 3 p.m. GMT. For those outside the UK wanting to catch the action, the match is accessible through VPN services to bypass geo-restrictions. This enables fans from around the world to witness this thrilling match without compromising on engagement.
This clash between Italy and France promises not only to test the Azzurri’s mettle but also serves as another chapter of sporting rivalry steeped with anticipation. The 2025 Six Nations will be pivotal for both teams’ quests for glory.