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After their opening defeat to Ireland, Les Bleus battled past Scotland in Edinburgh to get up and running.
But with four points from their first two games, Fabien Galthié’s side will need to lay down a marker against Gli Azzurri if they are to be considered true contenders, while of course relying on help from other sides in stopping reigning Grand Slam champions Ireland.
taly were the most recent side to suffer at Irish hands, beaten 36-0 in Dublin, following their narrow opening defeat at home to England.
The last time the sides met in the Championship, Italy came close to a remarkable comeback, going down 29-24 in Rome.
But France were much more convincing winners at the World Cup in Lyon, and Gonzalo Quesada will hope to put those memories to bed as he seeks a first win in charge of Gli Azzurri.
WHERE TO WATCH:
Sunday’s match will be shown on ITV 1 for UK viewers, while those in Ireland can watch on RTÉ 2, with the game kicking off at 3pm GMT. Supporters in France will be able to follow the game on France 2, while in Italy it will be shown on Tv8 and Sky Sport Uno.
TEAM NEWS
France have made two personnel changes and one further positional switch from the side that won 20-16 in Edinburgh.
With Grégory Alldritt out injured, François Cros moves across to No.8, while Paul Boudehent steps into the starting line-up at blindside flanker. Completing the back row is Charles Ollivon, who will also take over the captaincy from Alldritt.
The other change sees Posolo Tuilagi given a first Test start at just 19, having impressed off the bench in the first two rounds of the Championship. He replaces Paul Gabrillagues, who drops out of the 23.
