France v Italy: Six Nations – live

Key events

Italian rugby is on the rise. Then again, that’s been true for several seasons now. They came within a score of beating England in the opening round and are bolstered by a productive youth programme and two clubs that are starting to come good. And just look at that backline!

Ange Capuozzo at fullback provides a threat from with Paolo Garbisi pulling the strings at 10. Monty Ioane prvoides puch out wide with a strong running midfield.

Their forwards, though, have often lacked grunt and the tight five still looks short of heft. Exeter’s Ross Vincent starts at the back of the scrum and will be asked to carry into heavy traffic.

Italy: Capuozzo; Menoncello, Brex, Mori, Ioane; Garbisi, Page-Relo; Fischetti, Nicotera, Zilocchi, Cannone, Ruza, Favretto, Lamaro (c), Vintcent.

Replacements: Luccehsi, Spagnolo, Ferrari, Canali, Zombonin, Zuliani, Varney, Marin.

🇮🇹 Here's how the Italians line-up to take on France this weekend ⬇️#GuinnessM6N @Federugby

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 23, 2024

After their u20s lost to Italy at home on Friday, the big boys will want to send out a reminder that France remains a powerhouse in the game.

They’ve yet to show that this tournament and Maxime Lucu will be desperate to put on a commanding show at nine in the absence of Antoine Dupont.

There’s a start for colossal teenager Posolo Tuilagi in the second row with a glittering backline that can strike from anywhere. Surely this team is too good to slip today. Right?

France: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Lucu; Baille, Mauvaka, Atonio, Woki, Tuilagi, Boudehent, Ollivon (c), Cros.

Replacements: Marchand, Taofifenua, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Roumat, Abadie, Le Garrec, Moefana.

🇫🇷⚡️🇮🇹 La composition de 𝐕𝐎𝐒 𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐔𝐒 pour affronter l'Italie ! #FRAITA

⏳ Rendez-vous dimanche à 16h à Lille pour la 3ème journée des #SixNations 2024#NeFaisonsXV #XVdeFrance pic.twitter.com/ZA0ZniZIRV

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 23, 2024

Bonjour, ciao and welcome to the European mainland derby. It doesn’t quite have the ring of a Calcutta Cup, or even the history of the all-Celtic clash between Wales and Ireland, but this contest between the two newest entrants to the Six Nations has a certain charm of its own.

Both sides need a statement. France have been awful by their own lofty standards. A shellacking at home to Ireland and a fortunate win in a scrappy match against Scotland has given life to the theory that Le Bleus are gripped by a sense of ennui since their World Cup disappointment last year.

As for Italy, it’s the same old story as they seek a performance that proves their worth in a competition they’ve propped up for far too long. They too were no match for the Irish machine and slipped up at home to England, though they might feel they should have won that one.

So, we head to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille to answer a few questions. Can France shake off the rust? Can Italy step up? And will week three of this year’s Six Nations close with a bang?

We’ll find out at 3pm BST/2pm local time.

Teams and updates to come.