Italy v France: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Italy will look to make history by beating France when the two teams meet in the Six Nations on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

France will have a point to prove after their dramatic 26-25 defeat to England last time out, and they have dominated Sunday's fixture over the years.

Sunday's battle will be the 50th Test between these two nations and, with France heading to Dublin in round four to face Ireland, this game becomes something of a must-win.

Italy are looking to win three consecutive Six Nations home games for the first time and they will hope playing in Rome can help them make history.

Italy v France betting tips and predictions

Italy +17.5 - 10/11

Italy have often been the whipping boys of the Six Nations, but some improved results and the drop in form from Wales has improved their chances of finishing fifth or higher.

France deserve to be the clear favourites for Sunday's encounter, but Italy secured a 13-13 draw when the teams last met in February 2024.

Les Bleus recorded a convincing 60-7 victory in the 2023 World Cup, but Six Nations encounters have been relatively close in recent years.

Italy lost 24-29 and 37-10 in 2023 and 2022, and they will head into Sunday's game on the back of a 22-15 success over Wales in horrible conditions.

France were minutes away from beating England before they let their guard down, and all the pressure is on Fabien Galthie's side in Rome.

Galthie has made sweeping changes to his team after their defeat to England, with fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and wing Damian Penaud the two big names dropped.

Italy have more continuity within their squad and they were just a kick away from beating France last year.

France's strength in depth should eventually help them over the line, but Italy can keep this scoreline respectable.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey to score anytime - 1/2

France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey has rightly avoided the axe and will start as part of a back three along with Leo Barre and Theo Attissogbe.

The 21-year-old is the leading tryscorer with four in two games against Wales and England.

For Bordeaux and France, Bielle-Biarrey has 20 tries to his name in 18 matches since September.

The speed merchant is explosive and decisive and when Italy's squad tire, he should be able to punish them out wide.

Under 53.5 points - 10/11

Italy cannot afford to make any mistakes if they are to have any chance of dragging France into a battle.

The Azzurri have only won three times in 49 Tests against France and they are going to have to prepare for a forwards battle in the Eternal City.

Galthie has gone for a 7-1 split on the bench, with scrum-half Maxime Lucu the only recognised back among the replacements.

Les Bleus' tactics follow those of world champions South Africa as they try to dominate up front with power.

While that could be effective, there is no guarantee it leads to a tonne of points for the visitors.

The game should open up in the second half when the likes of Jalibert and Penaud enter the contest, but the opening 40 minutes could be cagey and one for the purists who prefer to watch an arm wrestle up front.

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Italy v France odds

Italy - 9/1
France - 1/16

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.