Italy vs France Prediction, Odds and Lineups: Best bets for Sunday’s Six Nations showdown

Games between Italy and France used to be a foregone conclusion but the Azzurri’s progress over recent years makes Sunday’s showdown at the Stadio Olimpico far more interesting.

Italy go into this weekend’s game on the back of a solid 22-15 win over Wales in Rome, while France head to the Eternal City following a 26-25 defeat at the hands of England at Allianz Stadium.

A wounded France side will be a dangerous proposition and it’s hard to see Les Bleus not getting back to winning ways this weekend at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, Italy are not going to lay out the welcome mat and Gonzalo Quesada’s side will make sure the French have to earn their victory by the River Tiber.

Italy might still be wondering about what if after their last meeting with France saw Paolo Garbisi’s last-gasp penalty come off the upright and deny the Azzurri what would have been a famous victory at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, in a game that ended in a 13-13 draw.

Going back to the previous Six Nations encounter between these sides in Rome in 2023, France were given a scare by the hosts and managed to edge the encounter 29-24.

With Italy causing Scotland problems in the opening round of this year’s Six Nations and beating Wales in round two, France should take nothing for granted ahead of Sunday’s game.

Given the recent head-to-head record, Italy with a +15.5 handicap looks generous and is certainly worth considering this weekend.

After being limited with the ball against Scotland, Italy showed more of what they are capable of with ball in hand against Wales.

Ange Capuozzo managed to go over for the Azzurri, in a game in which the boot of Tommaso Allan came to the fore once again.

Allan’s kicking has been strong throughout the tournament and he is more than capable of punishing any French indiscipline.

With the boot of Allan and with Italy growing their attacking game as the tournament progresses, Italy to score 17 or more points appeals in this one.

Italy vs France Match Odds

Italy vs France Lineups

Italy

Italy will have to do without the services of winger Monty Ioane this weekend, as he’s been ruled out with a knee injury.

Dino Lamb is also carrying a knee issue, meaning Niccolo Cannone is likely to continue in the second row for the Azzurri.

Meanwhile, Mirko Belloni has earned a call-up for Italy and prop Mirco Spagnolo is also back from his recent suspension.

France

As for France, Romain Ntamack is still suspended and Matthieu Jalibert is struggling with illness so Thomas Ramos is in line to start at fly-half.

Leo Barre can step in at full-back, while a decision will need to be made on the wing, with Jalibert's Bordeaux teammate Damian Penaud also expected to miss out.