Italy v France: Six Nations match prediction, where to watch and free tip

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Italy v France in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Where to watch

ITV, 2.15pm Saturday

Best bet

France -22
2pts Evs Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

A strong start is key to a successful Six Nations campaign and France look to have it all in their favour as they kick off the 2021 tournament against Italy in Rome.

Les Bleus were fancied to make an impression under new coach Fabien Galthie last year and opened with a win over England, but missed out on the title on points difference.

They followed that up with a strong showing in the Autumn Nations Cup, so nearly winning the final at Twickenham, and the way their second string took control against England showed that the old France of a group of talented individuals is being replaced by firm structures.

Their big names all return for the trip to Rome, where they will face a young and inexperienced Italy side.

Azzurri coach Franco Smith made a bold call last year by starting Paolo Garbisi at fly-half, a player who had only just made his senior club debut. He formed a playmaking combination with the more seasoned Carlo Canna at 12, but Canna is now benched to make way for another new cap in Juan Ignacio Brex.

None of the players in the backline has a double-figure cap tally and a strong France team should cover a handicap in the low 20s.

Italy lost all the eight matches they played in 2020, five of them by 20 points or more including a 36-5 Autumn Nations Cup defeat to Les Bleus.

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