Matthieu Jalibert starts at fly-half for France against Italy
(Getty)
France take on Italy on Saturday night with the chance to book their spot in the Autumn Nation Cup final against likely opponents England next weekend.
A rejuvenated French side just missed out on the chance to win the Six Nations title last month as they lost out on points difference to England, but they could find themselves with the chance to gain revenge in next weekend’s final – as long as they don’t come unstuck against the Italians back at the Stade de France.
Both sides have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak within the Fiji squad,with their Group B matches cancelled and declared 28-0 wins in their favour. However, with Scotland also awarded the walkover victory, they are not in action this weekend and sit just two points above the French at the top of the group.
It means that a draw will be enough for France to progress to the final as they hold a superior points difference over Scotland, but Fabien Galthie’s side will be determined to maintain their strong run of form that has seen them record six wins from their last seven games.
Italy meanwhile are looking to secure their first win of the year on the pitch, with only the victory over Fiji to show for their efforts in 2020.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match.
When is it?
France vs Italy takes place on Saturday 28 November at the Stade de France
What time does it start?
The match kicks off at 8:10pm GMT (9:10pm CET).
Amazon Prime have bought the rights to the majority of the Autumn Nations Cup, with the paid subscription service set to show 14 of the 16 games throughout the tournament.
The match will be shown live on Amazon Prime from 7:30pm.
If you’re not an Amazon Prime Video subscriber start a free 30-day trial here.
We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content.
Is it on TV?
No. Channel 4 have the rights for Ireland’s three games this autumn, with the two home matches shown exclusively and the trip to Twickenham to face England shared with Amazon Prime.
Highlights will be shown on Channel 4 at 11pm on Sunday 20 November.
Teams
France: Brice Dulin; Teddy Thomas, Jean-Pascal Barraque, Jonathan Danty, Gabin Villiere; Matthieu Jalibert, Baptiste Serin; Rodrigue Neti, Pesto Mauvaka, Dorian Aldegheri; Killian Geraci, Baptiste Pesenti; Cameron Woki, Sekou Macalou, Anthony Jelonch.
Replacements: Teddy Baubigny, Hassane Kolingar, Uini Atonio, Cyril Cazeaux, Swan Rebbadj, Baptiste Couilloud, Louis Carbonel, Yoram Moefana.
Italy: Matteo Minozzi; Jacopo Trulla, Marco Zanon, Carlo Canna, Luca Sperandio; Paolo Garbisi, Marcello Violi; Danilo Fischetti, Luca Bigi, Giosue Zilocchi; Marco Lazzaroni, Niccolo Cannone; Maxime Mbanda, Johan Meyer, Braam Steyn.
Replacements: Leonardo Ghiraldini, Simone Ferrari, Pietro Ceccarelli, Cristian Stoian, Michele Lamaro, Stephen Varney, Tommaso Allan, Federico Mori.
Form
France: WLWWW
Italy: LLLLL
Odds
France to win: 1/6
Italy to win: 13/2
Draw: 40/1
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri – Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
