France vs Italy Preview & Prediction | 2026 Six Nations Championship | Round 3
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Grand Slam-chasing Lille take on Italy in Lille, with their usual home at the Stade de France unavailable this weekend.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – ITVX / USA – Peacock
France form: Superb start
France thumped Wales in Cardiff last weekend, re-affirming their status as the team to beat at this year's Six Nations, and there is also talk that the Grand Slam could be within their grasp.
The 54 points they scored at Principality Stadium last week was a record for Les Bleus against Wales, and they are the only remaining unbeaten team in the tournament right now.
Last five: LWWWW
Italy form: Brave Azzurri
Italy threatened a first ever victory over Ireland in Dublin last week, eventually losing 20-13 in what was a strong away performance from the Azzurri.
After defeating Scotland a week prior, Gonzalo Quesada's side are playing with belief at the moment, and though they are heavy underdogs here, they will certainly not fear the French based on their first two performances at the 2026 Six Nations.
Last five: WLWWL
France team news: Second-row adjustments
Squad: Ramos; Attissogbe, Gailleton, Brau-Boirie, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (capt); Gros, Marchand, Aldegheri, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Jegou, Jelonch
Replacements: Mauvaka, Neti, Colombe, Ollivon, Guillard, Nouchi, Serin, Barassi
Italy team news: Capuozzo returns at full-back
Squad: Fischetti; Lynagh, Menoncello, Marin; Ioane; P Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro (capt), Zuliani, L Cannone
Replacements: Dimcheff, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Ruzza, Favretto, Odiase, Garbisi, Odogwu
France vs Italy prediction
So far in the 2026 Six Nations Championship, there has been no stopping France as they seek back-to-back titles, and they look head-and-shoulders above the opposition right now.
Given their performances, they are naturally favoured heavily by the bookies, but Italy have been no pushovers so far, with their fearless approach almost taking them to a historic win over Ireland last weekend.
Backing an Italy upset is too much of a stretch, but they could keep the score respectable, especially as France are playing in unfamiliar surroundings due to Olympic preparations.
France vs Italy tip: Italy +26.5
