France vs Italy Predictions, Six Nations Betting Tips & Bet Builder
France are threatening to run away with this year’s Six Nations and enter round three of the tournament at 4/7 to be Grand Slam champions.
The defending champions sit top of the table, having eased past Wales and Ireland in the first two rounds, and betting sites don’t expect any slip-ups when they host Italy on Sunday afternoon.Â
Les Bleus are favoured by 30 points on the handicap, despite Italy having caught the eye in their opening games against Scotland and Ireland, emerging from those fixtures with one win and a losing bonus point.
The Azzurri looked to have taken another step forward in their development and return to Lille - the site of a near-famous Italy win two years ago - with plenty going for them.
France vs Italy Tips
Check out our betting tips for Sunday’s game and the latest free bets from online bookmakers.
Tip 1: Italy +29
Rome was sacked by the French the last time these sides met 12 months ago with a smarting France side that had lost to England the previous week thrashing Italy 74-23.
Les Bleus ran in 11 tries on route to their biggest-ever Six Nations win and Six Nations betting sites are forecasting another wide-margin victory.Â
France have been irresistible at times in the wins over Ireland and Wales, tearing their opponents to shreds with a potent combination of power, flair and off-the-cuff rugby.
They could turn up and shred Italy again, but Gonzalo Quesada’s team are proving tricky opponents, boasting an excellent set piece and a ferocious pack.
Italy have been handicap winners on 11 of their last 13 Six Nations trips to France, including a 13-13 draw in 2024 when they came within a missed penalty kick of a famous victory on French soil.
The Azzurri have also covered the handicap in their first two Six Nations games, and we’ll gladly take the points offer for the first of our rugby tips.
Tip 2: Under 26.5 1st half points
Both these sides have been quick out of the blocks in the Six Nations thus far with Italy ahead at the break in both games against Scotland and Ireland.
They’ve conceded a combined total of 12 points in the first halves of those matches, although the French will no doubt put them to the test from the start.
They scored 22 points in the first 40 minutes against Ireland and another 26 in Cardiff last time out. They were also 35-17 ahead at the interval the last time they faced Italy too.
This first half points total looks a touch high, however. Italy should prove France’s most stubborn opponent so far, and their scrum can provide them with a platform to control a bit of possession and eat away at the clock.
We’ve seen the best of Italy in the first half of matches so far this tournament and there’s little reason to doubt they can’t start strong again, keeping a lid on the French point-scoring machine.
Tip 3: Under 8.5 total tries & France to win by 11 to 20 points
These two set a Six Nations try-scoring record when combining for 14 tries in Rome 12 months ago, but this fixture should see a regression closer to the mean, which has seen France average less than four tries per home Six Nations game against the Italians.
France have had a couple of big wins against Italy in recent memory, thrashing them 60-7 in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but Italy appear to have learnt from those heavy losses.
They have been solid defensively since the autumn, giving up four tries in a home loss to South Africa last November, and France should be made to work for their points.
For all the praise I’ve bestowed on Italy, it’s hard to ignore that there is still a gap in quality between these two teams, particularly when looking at the backs and the strength in depth on the bench.
Italy’s starting pack is excellent, but there isn’t much behind that, and the continued absence of Juan Ignacio Brex does create issues.
France have won 12 out of 13 home Six Nations games against Italy, 10 of them by 12 points or more, and a home victory by a margin of 11 to 20 points - as has been the case in four of France’s last six home wins over Italy - appears on point.
Where to Watch France vs Italy
In the United Kingdom, you can watch France vs Italy live on free-to-air television as part of the 2026 Six Nations rugby union championship.
TV Channel
The match between France and Italy in the Six Nations will be broadcast in the UK on ITV1.
Live Stream Information
Live streaming of France vs Italy in the UK is available via the ITVX app or website, where you can watch the full match live as it airs on ITV1. Viewers in Scotland can stream the match on the STV Player. Both ITVX and STV Player require registration, but accounts are free.
Kick-off time
France vs Italy in the 2026 Six Nations is scheduled to kick off at 3:10pm UK time.
Fixture date
This France vs Italy rugby fixture is being played on Sunday, 22 February 2026.
Stadium
The match will take place at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.
More Betting Tips
Check out below for more Six Nations betting tips and predictions for the rest of the weekend's action.
