Italy vs France: Six Nations Betting Tips
After the heartbreak of a 26-25 defeat at the hands of England at the Allianz Stadium last time out, France will look to get their Six Nations title challenge back on track when they face Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
The Azzurri lost 31-19 to Scotland in their opener but bounced back to beat struggling Wales 22-15 in Rome in their second match of the tournament.
Italy will certainly be no pushovers on their own patch in the Stadio Olimpico and they could make Fabien Galthie’s side work hard for the win this weekend.
Tip 1 - Italy +17.5 handicap @ 17/20
Wins over Italy were often a given for the other Six Nations contenders but the progress Italy have made in the last couple of years means that’s no longer the case.
Only a matter of millimetres denied Italy what would have been a famous win in Lille last season, as a Paolo Garbisi penalty struck the post before the game finished 13-13 moments later.
The last time these teams crossed paths at the Stadio Olimpico, France knew they had been in a game at the full-time whistle.
Italy pushed the French all the way but Les Bleus managed to hold on for a 29-24 victory in the Eternal City.
Given how those last two games played out between these sides, and with Italy coming into this game buoyed by their win over Wales, the Azzurri with a generous +17.5 handicap looks to be the way to go.
Tip 2 – Over 55.5 total points @ 21/20
It’s fortunate this game is not taking place 24 hours later than scheduled, as plenty of rain expected in Rome on Monday.
Instead, it looks set to be a mostly dry Sunday in the Italian capital and that will give both teams the opportunity to offload and try to move the ball around.
Italy played very little rugby with ball in hand in their opening game against Scotland at Murrayfield but they did more with it against Wales in wet conditions.
With a relatively dry pitch and forwards who will look to take the fight to a monstrous French pack, Italy should be able to get points on the board, especially with kicker Tommaso Allan in fine form off the tee.
France will still be wondering how they lost their last game at the Allianz Stadium, with some uncharacteristic handling errors costing them dearly against Steve Borthwick’s side.
They will be determined to put that right this weekend and expect France to cause Italy issues in the wide channels with the talent they have in their back three.
While Italy should be able to keep this one close at the Stadio Olimpico and push France all the way, the visitors have the firepower to earn a bonus point with at least four tries on Sunday.
If the Azzurri do what they have been able to in the recent past and can stay on France’s coattails going into the latter stages of Sunday’s showdown, then a high-scoring encounter should be on the cards in the Eternal City.
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation