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Six Nations | Group Stage
Mar 15, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Italy
0-29
France
FT
Maestri (46'), Bastareaud (80')

Preview: Italy vs. France

Sports Mole previews the Six Nations clash between France and Italy ahead of the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy clash in Rome.

Italy will be looking for back-to-back wins in the Six Nations when they host a France side that have lost on their last two outings.

The Azzuri needed a late penalty try to secure a narrow 22-19 win over Scotland at Murrayfield last time out, ending a two-year wait for a win in the competition.

Since its inception in 2007, Italy have won the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy just twice, but those wins came from their last two home matches against France, so they will be looking for a third straight win over Les Bleus at Stadio Flaminio this year.

Jacques Brunel has made three changes to his starting lineup for the visit of the French side as Andrea Maso returns at centre after missing out through injury last time, while Michele Visentin and Samuela Vunisa also come in.

The match will also be a record-breaking occasion for captain Sergio Parisse, as he is set to make his 112th appearance for the team.

Since joining the tournament in 2000, Italy have only won two matches in the same event once, giving them a fourth-place finish in 2013.

Meanwhile, a disappointing defeat to Wales last time out for France has resulted in Philippe Saint-Andre making a raft of changes for their trip to Rome.

There are eight alterations to the side that started the 20-13 defeat to Warren Gatland's side at Stade de France last month.

With that loss coming just after defeat to Ireland, France sit fourth in the table ahead of this weekend's round of fixtures, with their only win coming from a narrow victory over Scotland on the opening weekend.

In a bid to change his side's fortunes, Saint-Andre has handed a debut to winger Noa Nakaitaci, while Gael Fickou and Maxime Mermoz are preferred in the centre.

There is also a first appearance for Loann Goujon in a new-look group of forwards, with Nicolas Mas, Alexandre Flanquart also getting the nod.

France thrashed Italy 30-10 last season, but were beaten 23-18 on their last visit to Rome the year before.

Italy

Recent form: WLLLLW

Starting lineup: McLean, Sarto, Morisi, Masi, Venditti, Haimona, Gori, Aguero, Ghiraldini, Chistlini, Biagi, Furno, Minto, Vunisa, Parisse

France

Recent form: WWLWLL

Starting lineup Spedding, Huget, Fickou, Mermoz, Nakaitaci, Lopez, Tillous-Borde, Arous, Guirado, Mas, Flanquart, Masetri, Dusautoir, Le Roux, Goujon

Sports Mole says: 14-20


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France's scrum half Sebastien Tillous Borde and France's lock Yannick Nyanga (L) are seen prior to their international rugby test match France vs Argentina on November 22, 2014
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