Italy face the unenviable task of taking on France at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the third round of the Six Nations on Sunday.
2024 Six Nations – France v Italy
Sunday 25 February 2024 – 15:00
Stade Pierre-Mauroy
France haven’t looked particularly hot in this edition of the Six Nations. Defeat against Ireland and a narrow win against Scotland means that their hopes of retaining their Championship is probably off the table. Still, they will want to put in a convincing performance against perennial whipping boys, Italy.
France 1/50 | Draw 66/1 | Italy 18/1
Handicap
France (-26.5) 9/10 | Italy (+26.5) 9/10
Somehow, France snuck a win at Murrayfield in round two after producing one of their more forgettable performances under Fabien Galthie. While they continue to plod on without a plethora of their A-listers, they should still be far too strong for this Italian side at home on Sunday. Another championship title isn’t entirely out of the question, but Les Bleus will surely need to rely on a big win here if they want to remain in contention down the line.
The French defence has been far off Shaun Edwards’ usual lofty standards so far, and if they haven’t made some tweaks during this latest bye period they could be vulnerable to the attacks of Paolo Garbisi and Ange Capuozzo. Whether the visitors can gain the necessary respite up front to allow this to happen though remains to be seen.
Maxime Lucu’s displays in Antoine Dupont’s No 9 jersey have been pretty ordinary, even in tandem with regular Bordeaux halfback partner Matthieu Jalibert, and there’s a good chance we may see Racing 92 youngster Nolann Le Garrec get the nod this weekend.
Injured stand-in skipper Greg Alldritt’s presence will be missed, but there’s more than enough quality across the park for the hosts to make up for his absence.
Gonzalo Quesada and his troops are just two points off fifth-placed Wales heading into the weekend after a narrow loss to England in Rome and 36-0 drubbing in Dublin. If they can provide some of their X-factor ballplayers with time and space they may be able to create some chances, but it’s difficult seeing them get close to a France team that may feel they have a point to prove.
Verdict: France (-26.5) 9/10
France should rack up a comfortable victory in Villeneuve-d’Ascq.
