France Seek Redemption in Rome After Twickenham Disappointment
Rome, Italy – The French national rugby union team, les Bleus, will travel to Rome on February 23, 2025, to face Italy in the third round of the Six Nations Championship. The match will be played at the Stadio Olimpico, with kickoff scheduled for 4 PM CET.
France enters the match on the back of a disappointing performance at Twickenham against England, where they squandered numerous try-scoring opportunities and saw their Grand Slam hopes evaporate with a narrow 26-25 defeat.
The match in Rome holds significant importance for Fabien Galthié’s team. Last year, the Italians, coached by Gonzalo Quesada, held Les Bleus to a frustrating 13-13 draw in Lille. France will be eager to avoid a repeat of that result and secure a crucial victory to keep their championship hopes alive.
Italy, meanwhile, has endured a mixed start to the tournament. They suffered an opening-round defeat in Scotland (31-19) but bounced back with a narrow 22-15 win over Wales at home.
The Azzurri will provide a stern test for France. They possess a passionate and physical forward pack, led by captain Sergio Parisse, and a dangerous backline featuring the likes of fly-half Paolo Garbisi and winger Ange Capuozzo.
France, however, will be confident in their ability to overcome Italy’s challenge. They have a wealth of experience at the international level and are looking to build on their impressive 43-0 victory over Wales in the opening round.
Key players to watch in the match include:
- Antoine Dupont (France): The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year is a dynamic scrum-half who can ignite the French attack with his pace, passing, and vision.
- Damian Penaud (France): A lightning-fast winger with a knack for finding the try line, Penaud will be a major threat to Italy’s defense.
- Sergio Parisse (Italy): The veteran captain is a talismanic figure for the Azzurri and will lead their pack in a physical battle against France’s front row.
- Ange Capuozzo (Italy): The breakout star of last year’s Six Nations, Capuozzo is a dangerous winger with blistering pace and an eye for the try line.
The match will be broadcast live on France 2 and will also be available for live streaming on the Figaro Sport website.
Match Verdict:
France are the clear favorites heading into the match. They have a stronger squad on paper and will be keen to make amends for their Twickenham disappointment. Italy, however, are a proud and resilient team and will be determined to cause an upset on home soil.
Prediction: France to win by 10-15 points
