France vs. Italy: Who Will Win this Rivalry and Kickstart this Year’s Tournament?

In Round 1, France would be hosting Italy in Stade De France this Sunday, oozing in confidence to register their first win of the season against Italy. The upcoming game is not less than a rivalry between two rugby playing nations. Going in the game, France would be under the pump after their coach, Fabien Galthie, was tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. However, the players are confident to play with a determined and sensible approach under the supervision of their team manager, Raphael Ibanez. France is likely the favorites under the supervision of seasoned campaigner Fabien Galthie, who won’t be on the ground, but his insights and directions would be with the team.

France has been the favorite of winning this year’s title, with experience and young blood warming the reserve benches and adding value to the overall playing 15. With their last win over New Zealand, France is in terrific form, all set to dominate Italy and play according to their strengths. The player of the year, Antoine Dupont, has also been made part of the lineup, who has just recovered from the Covid-19 virus. With in-house training camps and fruitful cardio sessions, players recovered from Covid-19 would be looking to restart from where they left off in the field. Assessing the overall possible team lineup and reserves for the game against Italy, France is in the driving seat.

With the likes of Melvyn Jaminet, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, captain Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, Julien Marchand, Dylan Cretin, and other important players in the team, France seems like a pretty settled and well-balanced unit.

• Antoine Dupont;
• Melvyn Jaminet;
• Gael Fickou;
• Dylan Cretin;
• Cameron Woki.

The Six Nations tournament has always been about uncertainty and upsets for many teams and players. With France being the favorites, Italy can outperform France and win against the odds in Round 1. Italy would be confident as a unit to give a tough time to their arch-rivals in the tournament who have been struck by Covid-19 circumstances. In the tournament, Italy is the least favorite as they haven’t managed to win a single game since 2015 in the tournament. Italy’s coach Kieran Crowley is confident that his young boys would be up for the challenge and outsmart France by a competitive margin. Tommaso Menoncello and Toa Halafihi are all set to debut for their national team and gain some recognition.

• Danilo Fischetti;
• Michele Lamaro;
• Toa Halafihi;
• Federico Ruzza;
• Tiziano Pasquali.

France hasn’t won Six Nations since 2010, but coming into this year’s tournament, France is among the top favorites for winning the tournament. For the upcoming game against Italy, France would be playing with their entire full-strength squad and benched players.