🗓️ Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
🕒 Kick-off: 15:10 GMT
🏟️ Venue: Stade de France
📺 How to watch: Live on ITV (UK) – full broadcast details here
🎟️ Tickets: Via FFR
A trans-alpine encounter at the midway point of the Championship, this match represents a key opportunity to build momentum going into the closing rounds. A Sunday afternoon showpiece at the Stade de France with its unique atmosphere make this match an intriguing prospect.
Traditionally, France have dominated this fixture, but Italy have upset Les Bleus before and pushed them close in recent years. The Azzurri’s attacking ambition, coupled with France’s flair, means fans can expect fast-paced rugby and plenty of tries.
Last time out
Les Bleus were in a destructive mood the last time these two met in Rome during the 2025 Championship, running in eleven tries to Italy's three in a relentless display of efficiency. France had a point to prove that day, having lost late in the game to England in the previous round, and Italy paid the price for it.
Players to look out for
Italy’s 2025 Championship campaign again saw Tommaso Menoncello play the role of powerful, line-breaking centre that won him the coveted 2024 Guinness Player of the Championship. Paolo Garbisi orchestrated play with growing confidence at fly-half, and Ange Capuozzo ignited attacks from the back with his trademark pace and unpredictability. These three will be key threats for France to contain in Saint-Denis, each capable of producing moments of brilliance that could swing the contest.
Les Bleus will counter with their own stars: Antoine Dupont remains the heartbeat of the team at scrum-half, dictating tempo and exploiting gaps; Damian Penaud continues to be a prolific try-scorer on the wing; and Thomas Ramos, with his reliable boot and attacking vision from fullback, is always a danger. Expect these three to set the standard for France in front of a passionate Stade de France crowd.
The Stade de France factor
The French rugby team’s record at the Stade de France is one of the strongest in world rugby since the stadium’s inauguration in 1998. Here are the key facts:
France have played over 100 international matches at the Stade de France
They have won more than 70 of those matches, making the stadium a true fortress for Les Bleus.
The venue has seen France claim numerous Guinness Men's Six Nations titles, including several Grand Slams. Read more about the famous stadium in Saint-Denis here.