France women’s rugby, on paper, is the stronger team heading into Sunday’s meeting with Italy women's rugby in the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. 

Being the home team only adds to the likelihood of France remaining undefeated and in pursuit of England in the standings, but Italy will be barreling into the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris with the momentum of a historic win over Ireland in Round 2.

Italy defeated Ireland on the road for the first time in history, a 27-21 nailbiter that saw the Italians fall behind 7-0 early but rally to build a 15-7 halftime lead. 

Italy then left the record Easter crowd of more than 6,600 stunned, taking the win and a bonus point in Dublin.

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Heading into Round 3 this weekend, France is hoping to keep the pressure on a dominant English team looking to win its sixth consecutive Six Nations title, while Italy is hoping to continue its forward progress and win for the first time on French soil.

France opened the 2024 competition with a 38-17 win over Ireland and then squeaked past Scotland in Round 2 by a score of 15-5.

England has shown no signs of backing off the gas and has combined for 94 points in wins against Italy (48-0) and Wales (46-10). 

England and France both may be 2-0, but England has 10 points, while France has nine. More importantly, it’s still early enough for Italy (1-1 with five points) to have a noticeable presence in the 2024 competition.

If rebuilding Italy can keep pace, even a third-place performance could mean qualifying for the 2025 Rugby World Cup, if the tournament favorites – England and France – again finish in the top two places.

Because of the shared border between Italy and France, there is much familiarity with the players, with some of the Italian team members having played club rugby in France. That certainly may help with some insight, and it also may mean some familiar and friendly faces in the stands at Stade Jean-Bouin. 

Regardless, the Italy-France matchup could be a competitive one, with the Italians riding high off their win in Ireland and France a little wobbly after just getting past Scotland. 

However, in 16 all-time meetings between France and Italy in the Women’s Six Nations, France has won 13 times – eight in France and five in Italy. France has won the last three times, including a 22-12 victory in 2023. The last time Italy won was 2019 (31-12).

2024 Women’s Six Nations Standings

2024 Women’s Six Nations Scores

Round 1 (March 23-24)

France 38, Ireland 17
Scotland 20, Wales 18
England 48, Italy 0

Round 2 (March 30-31)

France 15, Scotland 5
England 46, Wales 10
Italy 27, Ireland 21

Round 3 (April 13-14)

Scotland vs. England (April 13 at 9:15 a.m. EDT)
Ireland vs. Wales (April 13 at 11:45 a.m. EDT)
France vs. Italy (April 14 at 7:30 a.m. EDT)

Round 4 (April 20-21)

England vs. Ireland (April 20 at 9:15 a.m. EDT)
Italy vs. Scotland (April 20 at 11:45 a.m. EDT)
Wales vs. France (April 21 at 10:15 a.m. EDT)

Round 5 (April 27)

Wales vs. Italy at 7:15 a.m. EDT
Ireland vs. Scotland at 9:30 a.m. EDT
France vs. England at 11:45 a.m. EDT

How To Watch Italy Women’s Rugby Vs. France At 2024 Women’s Six Nations

Watch Italy play against France on FloRugby and the FloSports app.

FloRugby will be streaming the 2024 Women’s Six Nations Championship, along with other international rugby leagues and events, including the U20 Six Nations, Top 14, United Rugby Championship and Super Rugby Pacific. 

Lineups

Italy

15. Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi; 14 Aura Muzzo; 13. Beatrice Rigoni; 12. Emma Stevanin; 11. Alyssa D'Inca; 10. Veronica Madia; 9. Sofia Stefan; 1. Gaia Maris; 2. Vittoria Vecchini; 3. Sara Seye; 4. Valeria Fedrighi; 5. Giordana Duca; 6. Sara Tounesi; 7 Isabella Locatelli; 8 Ilaria Arrighetti.

Replacements: 16. Laura Guriolo; 17. Emanuela Stecca; 18. Lucia Gai; 19. Alessia Pilani; 20. Beatrice Veronese; 21. Alessandra Frangipani; 22. Francesca Granzotto; 23. Beatrice Capomaggi.

France 

15. Émilie Boulard; 14. Marine Menager; 13. Nassira Konde, 12. Gabrielle Vernier; 11. Mélissande Llorens; 10. Lina Queyroi, 9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus; 1. Annaëlle Deshaye, 2. Agathe Sochat, 3. Assia Khalfaoui; 4. Manaé Feleu (c), 5. Madoussou Fall; 6. Charlotte Escudero, 7. Émeline Gros, 8. Romane Menager.

Replacements: 16. Élisa Riffonneau; 17. Ambre Mwayembe; 18. Clara Joyeux; 19. Gaëlle Hermet; 20. Teani Feleu; 21. Alexandra Chambon; 22. Lina Tuy; 23. Morgane Bourgeois.

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