Italy and France are set to clash on Sunday, February 23, 2025, as part of the Six Nations championship, with both teams having significant stakes riding on the match. Held at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome, this matchup is highly anticipated due to France's recent woes and Italy's surge of confidence after defeating Wales.
France, ranked No. 4 by World Rugby with 87.19 points, is determined to reclaim its status as a contender after falling short against England last week. That heart-wrenching 26-25 defeat, courtesy of Elliot Daly's last-minute try, not only dashed their Grand Slam hopes but also increased the pressure on head coach Fabien Galthie to secure victory against the Azzurri. Galthie has indicated strategic changes, implementing significant lineup adjustments aimed at revitalizing the team's performance.
Meanwhile, Italy, currently ranked No. 10 with 78.67 points, looks to capitalize on their recent win over Wales and draw inspiration from last year's near upset against France, where they controlled much of the match before missing out on victory with a last-minute penalty hit against the post. Italy's current campaign has them just two points behind the French, and victory would provide them with momentum as they aim to climb the Six Nations standings.
The match kicks off at 3:00 PM GMT, with live coverage beginning at 2:15 PM GMT on ITV1, making it accessible for fans eager to see how these two teams fare against each other. For those who prefer streaming, the match will also be available online on the ITVX platform.
Italy's lineup includes key players such as captain Michele Lamaro and playmaker Paolo Garbisi, who led the team with skill and command during their recent triumphs. Luciano and Bargisi’s ability to steer the team under pressure will be fundamental as they face off against France's potent attacking threats.
On the French side, Antoine Dupont, regarded as one of the best players in rugby, is expected to make significant contributions as he returns to the pitch after missing the Six Nations last year. France's tactics will heavily rely on Dupont's prowess, especially following the shake-up of positions, as Galthie has shifted Thomas Ramos to fly-half and included Leo Barre at fullback, positions where they hope to create more scoring opportunities.
Both teams have faced criticism and challenges during their Six Nations campaigns. Italy was impressive against Wales, defeating them convincingly, which boosted their confidence, yet they still face skepticism from pundits who note the difficulty they have historically had against France. Italy's last victory over Les Bleus dates back to 2013, emphasizing the uphill battle they must tackle this weekend.
Italy's squad saw recent changes due to injury—most prominently, Monty Ioane has been ruled out. Simone Gesi will fill his spot on the wing, representing Italy's adjusted strategies for this important match, with hopes set on matching their performance from the last fixture against the French.
The historical backdrop adds layers to this encounter. France holds dominance over Italy, achieving 45 wins with only three defeats since the inception of the Six Nations, and their last loss came in 2013. Despite the odds, rugby is often unpredictable, and Italy will be gunning to break their losing streak as they remain determined to upset the favorites and solidify their position within the tournament.
Betting odds reflect the anticipation of the contest, with Italy's win priced at 11/1 and France favored at 1/8. These numbers highlight the gap between the teams but also indicate Italy's ability to cause discomfort as seen last year.
Fans can expect high-energy play from both squads, as Italy looks to play aggressively, taking advantage of any lapses from the French side. Meanwhile, France will be focused on executing their game plan effectively, addressing previous mistakes and showcasing their talent on the field.
The stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling match as both teams look to secure their first win of the tournament. With Italy aiming to prove their mettle and France seeking to restore their pride, the showdown at Rome's Stadio Olimpico is not one to miss.