Italy make two changes for Six Nations clash with France

Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has made two changes to his starting lineup for the highly anticipated Six Nations clash against France in Rome.

Following their hard-fought victory over Wales in the previous round, the Azzurri will be looking to build on their momentum against a strong French side.

The changes come as Lyon winger Monty Ioane has been ruled out with a left knee injury, paving the way for Zebre’s Simone Gesi to take his place on the wing.

Meanwhile, Toulon hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi returns to the starting XV, with Giacomo Nicotera dropping to the bench.

Despite the changes, Italy will continue with a familiar combination at halfback, with Martin Page-Relo partnering Paolo Garbisi to steer the attack.

In midfield, Treviso duo Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex will provide stability, with Menoncello looking to continue his impressive form after being named the tournament’s best player last year.

The backline remains potent, with the electric Ange Capuozzo retaining his place on the wing and Tommaso Allan, who scored 17 points against Wales, set to win his 84th cap.

Quesada has also made adjustments to the bench, with four changes, including the return of Treviso prop Mirco Spagnolo from suspension.

Reflecting on his side’s progress, Quesada emphasized their growing belief.

“We have a bit more faith in what we want to do, we know how we want to manage games, what our in-game philosophy is and how we’re going to play,” he stated.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead, recognizing France’s strength. “I hope we’ll see this on the pitch against a team that is better than us, that we know is better than us.”

Italy started their campaign with a 19-31 defeat to Scotland before bouncing back with a 22-15 victory over Wales. The upcoming match marks the 50th meeting between Italy and France, with France holding a dominant record of 45 wins to just three losses.

Their most recent encounter in last year’s Six Nations ended in a 13-13 draw—the first and only stalemate in their history.

Italy XV: 15 Tommaso Allan, 14 Ange Capuozzo, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 11 Simone Gesi, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 9 Martin Page-Relo, 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Michele Lamaro (c), 6 Sebastian Negri, 5 Federico Ruzza, 4 Niccolo Cannone, 3 Simone Ferrari, 2 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 1 Danilo Fischetti

Reserves: 16 Giacomo Nicotera, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Joshua Zilocchi, 19 Riccardo Favretto, 20 Manuel Zuliani, 21 Ross Vintcent, 22 Alessandro Garbisi, 23 Jacopo Trulla