Six Nations 2026: France vs Italy Match Preview
France stands as the sole contender for the Grand Slam just two weeks into the Six Nations 2026. The team secured a strong win over Ireland and overwhelmed Wales, but coach Fabien Galthie identifies opportunities for refinement. He adjusts the starting lineup for the Round 3 clash with Italy at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, introducing Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou in place of Charles Ollivon and Mickael Guillard to reinforce the scrum. This change highlights Italy’s scrum progress.
Italy, led by Gonzalo Quesada, shocked Scotland in the opener and created numerous chances against Ireland last week, though they fell short. Their scrum dominance offers a key weapon. France counters with dynamic play from Thomas Ramos, Matthieu Jalibert, and Antoine Dupont. The Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy hangs in the balance. Kick-off occurs on Sunday, February 22, at 3:10pm GMT (10:10am ET).
How to Watch France vs Italy Live Streams
Viewers in the UK and Ireland access every Six Nations 2026 match, including France vs Italy, via free live streams.
UK: Free on ITVX
ITV1 airs the match on TV, while ITVX delivers free live and on-demand streams through its website and app. A valid UK TV licence covers digital viewing.
Ireland: Free on RTÉ Player
RTÉ 2 broadcasts the game, with streams available on the RTÉ Player platform.
Traveling abroad? A VPN enables access to home-country streams by simulating a local connection.
US: Peacock Streaming
Peacock streams France vs Italy and all Six Nations matches. Premium plans start at $10.99 monthly, including Premier League and Winter Olympics coverage. Use a VPN outside the US.
South Africa: SuperSport
SuperSport televises the match via DStv packages starting at R699 ($44) per month. Connect via VPN from abroad.
Australia: Stan Sport
Stan Sport broadcasts the game for $20 monthly atop a base Stan subscription from $12. Access with a VPN overseas.
New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
Sky Sport NZ holds rights, available via satellite or Sky Sport Now from $29.99 daily or $54.99 monthly. VPN unlocks streams abroad.
Japan: Wowow
Wowow streams live from ¥2,530 ($16) monthly. UK or Ireland viewers abroad can use a VPN for free access.
