Italy faces off against France this Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Stadio Olimpico for the third round of the Six Nations rugby tournament. Following their uplifting victory over Wales, the Azzurri are trying to rebound from their previous defeat against the Scottish team, aiming to build momentum against the competitive French side.
Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada knows the challenges at hand. “After the win against Wales, no one can afford to feel complacent,” he said. “These next three matches are exceptionally tough, but there are no excuses. We need to bring our A-game, especially against teams of France’s caliber.” The last encounter between the two ended dramatically—with Italy narrowly avoiding defeat last year when they drew 13-13 at Lille, primarily due to Garbisi hitting the post just before the final whistle.
The Italian side is set to show improvements following the changes made by Coach Quesada. Gianmarco Lucchesi will play as the starting hooker, replacing Nicotera, and Simone Gesi will step in for the injured Monty Ioane. “It's not just about past wins,” Quesada added. “We have to keep striving for higher standards, especially offensively, as we only scored two tries over our previous matches.”
On the flip side, France is entering this match after suffering a heartbreaking loss against England. Known for their firepower, they will be spearheaded by star player Antoine Dupont, who aims to rebound from the shock defeat. “When you contend a match with France, you need to be on your toes,” Quesada remarked. “Dupont is extraordinary; if you slip for just one moment, you will pay for it.”
The match will start at 16:00 local time, and fans can catch the action live on Raidue, Sky Sport Uno, and streaming services including Rai Play and Sky Go.
Italy's recent victory revealed their potential, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling match. Though Quesada acknowledges the mountain they have to climb—facing one of the top teams in the tournament—confidence is beginning to brew within the Italian camp.
“We are under no illusion about how tough France is, especially with them desperate to win after last week’s match,” Quesada remarked. “They typically play at another level, but we have our strategies and strengths to showcase.”
This season, the Six Nations prize pool has also seen substantial changes; it is reported to be the richest ever, with top contenders eyeing up the substantial rewards for placing high. The financial stakes only intensify the competition, making every match, particularly this storied contest, hold incredible significance.
Italy’s lineup reflects their ambition. Key players such as Tommaso Allan, Paolo Garbisi, and the freshly named Gianmarco Lucchesi are ready to take on the French brunt. The official line-ups for Italy and France were recently announced, with the Azzurri set to start Allan and Garbisi respectively, showcasing how the team plans to execute their game plan.
The match on February 23 is not just about rugby; it's deeply woven with history and rivalry, spotlighting the significance of the Six Nations and the rich narrative spun around Italy and France. With both teams showcasing their star players, fans can anticipate glorious rugby depicted by offensive plays and defensive strategies, all culminating on the grand stage of the Stadio Olimpico.
Expectations run high for the Azzurri to dig deep and emerge more competitive as they seek to instill fear and resilience against the French. Meanwhile, France's coaches are also reworking strategies to rectify their earlier mishap against England.
Both teams will need to be at the top of their game, with Italy hoping to capitalize on renewed confidence and France seeking redemption. The pressure is palpable as the kickoff approaches.